Mount Murray fire site damped down

Firefighters have been damping down the aftermath of a massive fire at Mount Murray hotel.

Much of the top floor of the accommodation block has been gutted, and much of the roof has collapsed or been burnt away.

The incident, which started mid-morning, prompted a huge turnout from the emergency services, with the fire service having to tackle a large blaze which spread quickly through the roof of the block, sending great plumes of thick black smoke shooting into the air.