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A fire investigator will return to a South Taranaki hotel that burned down last night in a dramatic blaze.

Photos from the scene show orange flames leaping from the two-storey Waitotara Hotel and smoke billowing from the out-of-control fire.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said a standby crew remained on the scene overnight after 20 trucks were initially sent to fight the fire.

“There [were] in excess of 80 personnel on site.”

The blaze broke out about 6pm yesterday.

Crews had 10 pumps and pump rescue tenders, a mobile command unit, six water tankers, an incident commander and other resources fighting the blaze.

“There is one aerial responding and another on the way” Fire and Emergency said last night.

“Please keep well clear of Waitotara township. Fire and Emergency have also set up a water supply area in the Four Square in Waverley for tankers to refill so firefighters can continue to fight the fire.”

A spokesperson later confirmed everyone was accounted for and there were no injuries.

“The fire was contained about 9.50pm and now crews are dampening down hot spots.

“The building is pretty much destroyed.”