Police are investigating the “unexplained” fire after about 200m of trees along the end of the school's Don Field was engulfed in flames yesterday.
Waitaki Boys' High School rector Darryl Paterson said he was relieved no-one was hurt and that there was “no major damage” to any major school assets, in particular the caretaker's house which was “very close to the fire”.
The fire had severely damaged the pine hedge on the eastern boundary of Don Field.
"Fortunately, Waitaki Ave acted as a 'fire break' and prevented the fire reaching trees on the northern side of the school grounds.”
Students were evacuated out of class just after 9am following the school’s fire drill procedure, he said.
"I have to say the boys and staff were incredibly patient and well-behaved despite the circumstances,” the rector said.
Students were released to go back to class at 10.30am and the rest of the school day went on as usual.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, said the fire was being treated as “unexplained”.
He asked if the public had any information or any footage of the early portion of the fire to get in touch with police.
A statement from Southern District Police yesterday called for CCTV or dashcam from the area of Virgil St and Waitaki Ave yesterday.
Four fire trucks were on the scene with all firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
