Key Takeaways
- A building in Pakuranga has been completely destroyed by fire, with one person seriously hurt and taken to Middlemore Hospital.
- The fire broke out during the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) strike, where members had stopped work for an hour between 12pm and 1pm.
- Volunteer crews from nearby areas, including Beachlands, Clevedon, Laingholm, and Waitākere, responded to the scene, along with senior officers.
- The fire is reported to have engulfed a business, with thick black smoke blocking the surrounding streets, and the building is considered a write-off.
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating fire has broken out in Pakuranga, resulting in the complete destruction of a building and leaving one person seriously injured. The fire, which occurred shortly after midday, has drawn a significant response from emergency services, including firefighters, ambulance, and police. The incident has also coincided with the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) strike, where members had stopped work for an hour between 12pm and 1pm, potentially impacting the response time to the emergency.
Response to the Fire
Despite the challenges posed by the strike, volunteer crews from nearby areas, including Beachlands, Clevedon, Laingholm, and Waitākere, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Fire and Emergency New Zealand deputy national commander Megan Stiffler confirmed that senior officers were also in attendance, with further volunteer crews on the way. However, the location of the fire proved to be a significant factor, with the nearest volunteer crews taking 30 minutes to travel to the incident. In contrast, the nearest career station, located in Mount Wellington, would have arrived on the scene within seven minutes.
Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses have described the scene as chaotic, with flames leaping from the roof of the building and thick black smoke blocking the surrounding streets. One witness reported that the Pita House was engulfed in flames, while another local described the smoke as being visible from blocks away. The street has been blocked off by dozens of vehicles, including fire engines, police cars, and ambulances, as emergency services work to bring the situation under control. A local business owner has confirmed that the building is a write-off, with the fire causing extensive damage.
Impact of the Fire
The fire has had a significant impact on the local community, with one person seriously injured and taken to Middlemore Hospital. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential consequences of the NZPFU strike, which may have affected the response time to the emergency. However, it is worth noting that the strike was only scheduled to last for an hour, and volunteer crews were still able to respond to the scene. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the community will be left to pick up the pieces and come to terms with the devastating loss of the building.
Conclusion
The fire in Pakuranga has resulted in the complete destruction of a building and left one person seriously injured. Despite the challenges posed by the NZPFU strike, emergency services were able to respond to the scene, with volunteer crews and senior officers working to bring the situation under control. As the community begins to rebuild, it is essential to acknowledge the bravery and dedication of the emergency services personnel who responded to the incident, and to recognize the potential consequences of the strike on the response time to the emergency. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having effective emergency services in place, and the need for continued support and resources to ensure that they can respond quickly and effectively in times of need.