An investigation into a blaze in a former fish and chip shop on Rangitikei St in Whanganui East has found the fire was not suspicious.

Specialist fire investigator John Hotter said the investigation was continuing to determine the exact cause.

“I’m waiting to see some CCTV footage but it’s not [being] classed as suspicious.”

Police had also been involved in the investigation.

The fire began about 1.50pm on Thursday.

Fire and Emergency NZ Manawatū Whanganui assistant commander Jemal Weston said initially it was reported to fire services that there were potentially people inside the building.

“That was cleared, and apparently [the people] were at another address,” Weston said.

Firefighters had managed to cut off the fire before it spread further into an adjoining property.

Fire investigators will continue to look into the cause of the fire.

Eva de Jong is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news. She began as a reporter in 2023.