The investigation into the fatal fire is coming to an end

Five people died in a fire at Loafer’s Lodge last month.
photo: Reporting on local democracy / George Heard

The fire service says it has returned Loafer’s Lodge to its owners today.

A spokesman said staff had spent the weekend completing their own inquiries and securing the site after police left the Wellington building late last week.

Five people died and nearly 100 others were displaced when a fire engulfed a dormitory last month.

There was a 48-year-old man accused of five murders and two fell due to fire.

No word yet on whether residents will be allowed back into the building.