Whakatāne High School Photo: Google Maps
A fire at Whakatāne High School has been extinguished and students have been sent home early.
A fire investigator said the blaze was accidental.
The blaze led to the evacuation of teachers and students earlier today.
Fire and Emergency were called to the school at 11.45am when flames broke out in the roof of the art block.
Fire and Emergency said three trucks and a support vehicle responded to the blaze.
Whakatāne High School assured parents on Facebook that all students had been evacuated safely.
Video posted by the Whakatāne Beacon showed smoke pouring from the roof of the art block.
Its report said police have cordoned off Soutars Ave and Haig St, and Goulstone Rd and Crete St.
It said students were watching the fire from the rear fields at the site.
It is not yet known if the school will reopen tomorrow.
