Four Masterton churches catch fire in suspicious blazes with three more targeted
St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Masterton is one of four churches damaged in suspicious fires in the Wairarapa town overnight. Attempts were made to set alight three other churches. Photo / Lynda Feringa
Four Masterton churches have been damaged in suspicious blazes, overnight, while three others also appear to have been targeted.
The damage to some of the churches has been described as “significant”, with police now investigating and standing guard at the buildings.
Up to 12 Fire and Emergency NZ trucks earlier rushed to fight the fires that all started between 4.25am and 4.35am, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.
The churches are: Anglican Church Of The Epiphany, St Patrick’s Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Masterton.
Damage to the Masterton churches ranged from moderate to significant, Fire and Emergency said.