Police expect to enter the charred hostel today where at least six people died to begin searching for those who perished and investigating the fire.

At least six people are dead after a massive fire ripped through a Wellington hostel early yesterday morning, with more still unaccounted for in what is one of New Zealand’s deadliest fires.

Dozens of people were trapped as thick smoke filled Loafers Lodge’s corridors and rooms, many woken by yelling and warnings to evacuate.

The police’s scene examination will be “an extensive and methodical process” and until it’s completed the confirmed death toll won’t be released, Dion Bennett, Acting Wellington District Commander said.

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Authorities have confirmed the 92-room Newtown lodge did not have sprinklers and residents have said many people living in the building were elderly.

Stubbs said Urban Search and Rescue teams will remain at the site to ensure the building remains safe while police investigations are carried out.

Stubbs said they are looking into various factors of the cause of the fire such as the thought it might have started as a couch fire, as well as looking into the standard of the building’s alarm system.

A convicted arsonist, who was staying at the hostel at the time, told the Herald he was yesterday interviewed by police. He denied starting the fire.

Police said the fire was unexplained at this stage.

“Police don’t believe it’s been deliberately lit,” Wellington acting district commander Inspector Dion Bennett, said. “We require a full investigation.”

Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) assistant national commander Bruce Stubbs said the fire was being treated as “suspicious”.