14 Feb 2009

Skifield fires being dampened

10:01 am on 14 February 2009

The Department of Conservation says fire crews are still dampening an overnight blaze at Whakapapa skiifield on Mt Ruapehu.

Two buildings - a shed housing a snow groomer and the Knoll Ridge Cafe - were burned. The fires are being treated as suspicious.

DOC area manager Kevin Cannell says he expects the fire has destroyed the cafe.