Schools closed after suspicious fire at abandoned Palmerston North bar

Friday 31 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Fri 31 Oct 2025, 3:55pm

Several schools in Palmerston North have closed due to concerns that asbestos from a fire at the old Fitzherbert Tavern may have spread. The blaze occurred on Thursday evening and has been deemed suspicious. Fire investigators are attending the scene to continue their enquiries.

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1. The Post via StuffFri 31 Oct 2025, 7:00am

   Abandoned bar fire in Palmerston North shuts school, scene guard in place (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab)

2. RNZFri 31 Oct 2025, 7:35am

   Palmerston North schools shut as asbestos-filled Fitzherbert bar goes up in flames (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldFri 31 Oct 2025, 8:18am

   Palmerston North school closed due to asbestos risk from tavern fire (opens in new tab)

   • Fire at asbestos-filled Palmerston North bar ‘suspicious’ (opens in new tab) Fri 31 Oct 2025, 3:55pm
4. 1NewsFri 31 Oct 2025, 8:54am

   Palmerston North schools shut over asbestos fears after pub fire (opens in new tab)