Police have provided an update on their investigation into Tuesday's deadly fire at a Wellington hostel and begun to recover bodies from the scene.
Inspector Dion Bennett, Acting Wellington District Commander, has been speaking about Operation Rose, the probe into the blaze at Loafers Lodge.
The fire was classified yesterday as arson.
The death toll from the fire stands at six, but it may be days before a final death toll is known.
"Police have this morning begun a scene examination at Loafers Lodge," Bennett told the briefing.
The damage on the third floor was significant. The debris was piled high and there was a lot of material for workers to move so they could search underneath.
Disaster unit identification teams were on site, he said.
"This afternoon I expect that we will commence recovering some bodies from Loafers Lodge. It's likely to be two bodies that we will be able to remove today."
He said it was planned another two bodies would be recovered on Friday.
A black fence has been set up, restricting parts of Loafers Lodge from view.
Teams were working hard with families behind the scenes, he said.
"I can assure you we are doing everything we can to recover and identify the deceased, the loved ones from the Loafers Lodge as quickly as we can.
"Our scene examination is likely to take several days and is likely to go into the weekend."
Road closures in the area will continue, he says, however, they will attempt to get one lane of Adelaide Road open to ease traffic congestion.
"We continue to work with our partner agencies to support those residents who were evacuated," Bennett says.
People will not be able to return or retrieve any property until the investigation is complete.
"The property inside the building is damaged by fire and more importantly, asbestos. There will need to be some decisions made if it is safe to return that property."
During question time, Bennett said a final confirmation on the number of dead will not be made until the scene is cleared.
Asked about the arson investigation, Bennett said he could not give any further updates.
Regarding removal of the victims, there will be proper care taken to remove them respectfully and proceed to identification, he said.
Dion Bennett says people will not be able to return to the lodge or retrieve any property until the investigation is complete. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
