A devastating fire has engulfed a Kapiti Coast institution on July 8, Wednesday.
Emergency services were called to the Red House Cafe, located in a post office building, in Te Horo at around 5:10pm. The first crews that arrived were from Otaki and Te Horo, but the fire got so big that it needed backup from Levin, Waikanae and Paraparaumu.
“The brigade is still there and the cause will be investigated by staff in the morning. We’ll have some presence there overnight to ensure there are no flare ups,” said David Meikle of Fire Communications.
A report said that the fire left the cafe’s owner “hysterical.”
According to Fire services spokesperson Murray Dunbar, it appeared that the fire started in the kitchen. This, however, has not yet been confirmed as the main cause of the blaze.
The cafe is a popular cafe in the area. “The whole of Te Horo township is out here. The cafe is part of the local community’s lives. I went here almost everyday,” said Te Horo resident and Red House cafe customer Carolyn Jolley.
“So much history and so many memories,” added Gillian Hayes. “Another childhood memory gone,” said another customer.
No injuries have been reported.
