Police Investigate Arson as Cause of Deadly New Zealand Hostel Fire

New Zealand police are treating the deadly fire that broke out in a Wellington hostel, killing at least six people, as arson and have started a homicide inquiry. The police have not arrested anyone yet and have not revealed why they believe the fire was deliberately lit. The hostel, called Loafers Lodge, did not have sprinklers, and there have been conflicting reports about when and whether alarms sounded at the time the blaze began. New Zealand’s government will investigate whether building regulations for accommodations like Loafers Lodge are fit for purpose.