It appears that Wednesday morning’s tragic fire in East St has caused a total loss of the home and contents with loss of baby photos, Plunket books and other personal items . Single father Manaaki Riki 22, has been left with nothing. Mr Riki and his three children along with his younger brother, leapt to safety from the balcony to escape the flames.
Two engines from the Raglan Volunteer Fire Brigade attended and started battling the fire. A fire engine from Hamilton was sent as backup, but arrived to late to assist. The least burnt-out part of the house has been boarded up with plywood.