The fire service and police are investigating the cause of a significant blaze at Antonio Hall in Christchurch .
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said crews were called to the historic mansion in Upper Riccarton just after 3.30 Friday morning after receiving multiple phone calls about the fire.
A pair of aerial appliances as well as 11 trucks attended the fire and evacuations and road closures were also carried out for safety.
With the fire extinguished, police said those evacuated have now been given permission to return to their homes and all traffic cordons on Riccarton Rd and Warenui Rd have been removed.
Police are now investigating the cause of the fire.
Antonio Hall, also known as Antonio House and previously as Kilmead or Campion Hall, is a 279-room mansion that was built between 1904 and 1909 for merchant and Christchurch city councillor Thomas Kincaid.
Despite its status as a category two heritage building by Heritage New Zealand, the property has been neglected and has sustained significant damage in recent years from both the Christchurch earthquakes and 2019 fire.
SHARE ME