Palmerston North abandoned pub fire

The story so far

Residents were told to stay indoors with their windows closed, and eight fire trucks attended the scene around 5.15pm.^{30 Oct 2025} Several Palmerston North schools closed over concerns that asbestos from the fire may have spread, and the blaze was deemed suspicious.^{31 Oct 2025}

Latest

The 18-year-old man has been charged with arson over the fire.^{12 Nov 2025}

What's next

Police indicate that further arrests may be likely.^{12 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 30 Oct 2025Third-alarm fire breaks out at abandoned Fitzherbert Tavern, Palmerston North.
2. 31 Oct 2025Schools close over fears asbestos spread from suspicious fire.
3. 12 Nov 202518-year-old man charged with arson over the Palmerston North fire.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.