Northcote College announced plans to close its site next week for the demolition of a fire-ravaged building that includes asbestos materials. The oldest structure on campus sustained heavy damage during a fire Saturday afternoon, prompting the shutdown.

“We have been advised by the Ministry of Education and specialist contractors to close the site for the safe demolition and removal of the fire-damaged building,” the school said in a statement to parents. School leaders stressed that the well-being of students and staff remains the top priority.

A spokesperson expressed sadness over the loss of the historic building. The school praised students and staff for their response during the incident. One student described the evacuation to reporters: classes first lined up on the field, then shifted to the courts as flames spread. Teachers stayed calm at first, the student said, but grew stressed as the fire intensified.

Fire crews received the alarm at 12:17 p.m. on Saturday. Response crews arrived at 12:29 p.m., a 12-minute delay from the usual seven minutes. The holdup stemmed from a one-hour strike by the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union, which ran from noon to 1 p.m. Volunteer firefighters covered the call.

Video footage from the school field captured massive flames erupting from the block, with thick black smoke rising high. Fire and Emergency New Zealand blamed the union for the delay, accusing it of “gambling with the public’s safety.” Officials called for an end to future strikes.

NZPFU vice-president Martin Campbell pushed back. He labeled the incident “yet another failure for Fire and Emergency New Zealand,” insisting the delay rested squarely on the agency.

This marks the second major fire at Northcote College in just over a decade. A blaze in September 2014 destroyed the school’s technology block, known as the E block. Saturday’s fire unfolded amid the union’s industrial action, which the NZPFU confirmed via social media.

Demolition work will address the asbestos cladding exposed in the damage. The school has not released a timeline for reopening or details on alternative learning arrangements. Parents received an email update highlighting the calm handling of the evacuation.

Fire and Emergency crews brought the blaze under control after arrival. No injuries were reported. Investigators continue to probe the cause.