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Suspicious fires destroy buildings and machinery on Mt Ruapehu - Source: Courtesy Dave Mazey -
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The fires are finally out at Mt Ruapehu and investigators are on the scene looking into the cause.
Three buildings at Whakapapa skifield went up in flames early on Saturday, causing damage which is put at up to five million dollars.
Arson has been suspected from the start.
Police spokeswoman Kim Perks says the Fire Service and police are now sifting through the remains, looking for clues.
Police are also interviewing Whakapapa Skifield staff and the occupants of ski lodges on Mt Ruapehu.
Perks says it may take a day or two to work out exactly how the fires started and police have been guarding the scene.
Damage at the Knoll Ridge Chalet and an equipment shed 200 metres away is estimated to be around $5 million.
Detectives say they have "significant suspicions" about the fire and questions which still need answering.
The fires started in the early hours of Saturday morning, but firefighters couldn't reach them until daylight.
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