Emergency service workers from Wairarapa have been assisting with the devastating impact of Wellington hostel Loafers Lodge’s fire that took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
It is uncertain how many lives the fire claimed, with six people confirmed dead and 11 still unaccounted for.
Three fire crew members from Masterton were on the scene on Tuesday as part of the urban search and rescue group to support local crew and help assess the building’s structural integrity.
FENZ Wairarapa group manager and assistant commander Craig Cottrill said he is working with police and Wellington City Council on the next steps.
“Our hearts go out to those people who have been affected by this fire, those people who have lost loved ones and lost a place to live,” Cottrill said.
“We do everything we can to prevent these types of incidents occurring, but
