The Loafers Lodge fire is being treated as arson, acting Wellington district commander inspector Dion Bennett says.
Speaking to media on Wednesday afternoon, Bennett confirmed the blaze was being treated as arson but was not prepared to give reasons as to why. He would not say whether accelerant was a cause of the fire.
As this was being treated as arson, it was a homicide inquiry, he said.
There were a list of people of interest in the investigation, Bennett said, though he was not prepared to say more regarding these people. No arrests had yet been made.
He extended his thanks to FENZ for ensuring police could access the building safely so quickly after the fire. The scene was handed to police earlier today by Fire and Emergency.
A reconnaissance team had entered the lodge and are working to develop a plan for a more extensive search, he said.
That was expected to begin tommorrow. The bodies of those who had died remain in the building and the number of people killed could still not be confirmed, he said. However, his
"gut feeling" was that the death toll - currently at six - would climb.
"However, without that confirmation it would be irresponsible of me to say that."
Acting Wellington district commander inspector Dion Bennett. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The scene examination was likely to take several days given the large size of the building, he said. Staff welfare was important and exposing staff to the environment for long periods of time posed risks, he said. The task police were about to undertake was "grim", Bennett said.
Welfare support was in place for police staff and "equally for our FENZ colleagues as well".
"I can say, having seen some early photographs, that the damage is extensive, that in some of the floors, and on the third floor in particular, the roof has collapsed and that in places on the floor, pile of debris and burnt debris is stacked as high as one metre."
Yesterday afternoon, council arranged for any loose asbestos on the ground to be cleaned and as part of the FENZ handover today, the asbestos issue was discussed.
Bennett said police were assured it was safe for them to work in and around the scene.
"However, should there be any change to that situation, then we'll be coming out to the public straight away as well."
Alongside the scene examination, officers would be working to locate and recover those who had lost their lives, Bennett said.
After making sure the area was safe for staff, the priority of the reconnaissance team was identifying areas they were most likely to find deceased, he said.
"We know there are many people who are waiting for news of family and friends, including residents who escaped the fire and who are keenly waiting for news of their fellow tenants."
Bennett said 92 people were accounted for so far and the number of people still to be accounted for was less than 20.
Bennett said a large number of officers were working on the investigation, "with the aim of providing a swift and timely outcome and the answers that we all need".
Officers spoke to residents yesterday at Newtown Park but police would like to speak with residents who were not there. They also wanted to speak to anyone who may have information that may be able to assist them.
Asked how emergency services were alerted to the fire, Bennett said a call was made to FENZ though he could not give further details.
A scene guard would remain on site and Adelaide Road remained closed. The road closure would be continually reviewed, Bennett said.
The council was taking the lead on housing residents, he said.
