Whakatāne High School students evacuate due to large fire

Whakatāne High School.
Whakatāne High School. Photo credit: Google Maps

A large fire at Whakatāne High School has led to the evacuation of teachers and students.

Fire and Emergency said three trucks and a support vehicle were responding to a blaze on the roof of the school's art block.

Whakatāne High School assured parents on Facebook that all students had been evacuated safely.

Video posted by the Whakatāne Beacon shows smoke pouring from the roof of the art block.

Its report says police have cordoned off Soutars Ave and Haig St, and Goulstone Rd and Crete St.

It says students have been watching the fire from the rear fields at the site.

RNZ