Work continues to locate the 11 people still unaccounted for in the Loafers Lodge fire.

At least six people are known have perished in the Wellington hostel blaze which started in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police say the cause is unexplained, while Fire and Emergency say it's being treated as suspicious.

Officers expect to enter the building some time between mid-morning and midday.

The lodge had a Building Warrant of Fitness issued this March; it didn't have sprinklers, and wasn't required to.

Fire and Emergency Assistant National Commander, Bruce Stubbs told Mike Hosking there's no timeline for the investigation at this stage.

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