Investigation launched after fire rips through Canterbury cafe A fire investigator is working with police after a blaze ripped through a cafe near Waimate in South Canterbury overnight. Fire and Emergency Modern Zealand received multiple calls just before 1am on Sunday after reports of a commercial property on fire. Two fire trucks and a tanker were initially sent to the scene before additional units were requested. Two further trucks and a specialist vehicle arrived, helping battle the fire for six hours before it was extinguished just after 7am. The cafe, identified as Nosh Roadside Gourmet, is located on State Highway 1 at the turnoff to Waimate. It had become known as a “driver reviver” stop, offering free instant coffee to counter fatigue and help keep drivers safe. Firefighters remained on scene Sunday morning dampening down hotspots. No injuries were reported. Fire and Emergency is working with police to examine the cause of the fire. At this stage, the fire is not being considered suspicious. The investigation into the fire is expected to begin on Sunday morning. The destruction of the landmark cafe has prompted reactions of shock and sadness from the local community, with many acknowledging its importance as a resting point for travelers on State Highway 1.
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