Police are trying to confirm whether a fire which destroyed a small Northland town's only hotel was lit deliberately.
Northland Fire Safety Officer Craig Bain says evidence suggests an accelerant may have been used to start the fire at the Okaihau Hotel north of Kaikohe.
Mr Bain says the fire appears to have been lit in several areas in the hotel's bar.
He says samples have been collected from the fire debris and they have been sent to ESR to confirm whether a hydrocarbon based accelerant has been used.
Mr Bain says it's unclear how long it'll take for the testing to be completed.
Four people were evacuated from the hotel's accommodation wing which was able to be saved, but the fire destroyed the hotel's bar.
