The Union representing professional firefighters has revealed fire trucks and gear “failed” during last night’s massive blaze in Woolston.

NZPFU Vice President Joe Stanley said “Fire and Emergency’s failure to have reliable and maintained fire appliances was again exposed last night during the inferno at a scrap metal yard in Woolston.  

Firefighters arrived at an escalating event with neighbouring properties at risk as fireballs billowed into the sky.

Stanley said attempts to contain the fire were hampered with the first appliance in attendance blowing a radiator hose and then overheating requiring it to be moved and replaced by another appliance as firefighters worked under the intense heat.

That changeover caused a delay in setting up the aerial with a 17-metre ladder critical to reaching over to get water on the blaze. 

“But the failures of the fleet did not end there. 

That aerial appliance’s pump failed, requiring the monitor to be fed by another pump. 

Then the aerial’s hydraulics failed before the appliance’s entire electrical system failed.   

The aerial is still working stranded in position with the boom unable to be moved.  Fortunately, the direction of the fire did not move otherwise the appliance could have been caught in the path of fire.”

Stanley said “this was no minor issue – two trucks failing on site caused delays and put firefighters working in intense heat and escalating danger.”

The fire crews, including those that had already worked extraordinary hours in overtime this week to keep fire trucks on the run, fought hard to contain the fire and successfully protected neighbouring buildings from being engulfed despite the immense challenges of fire appliance break-downs.  At one stage there were two mechanics on site working desperately to repair two trucks at the same time while firefighting tactics had to change due to the breakdowns.”

Finally, the airport aerial was called in and was of invaluable assistance in the attack but had to return to the airport before flights began this morning.

Stanley said “once again, it was the experience and expertise of firefighters that resulted in the containment of this fire under incredibly challenging conditions including a failing fleet.

Firefighters put their lives on the line when responding to fires and must have confidence in the appliances and equipment. 

FENZ must be held to account for its epic failure to have a reliable fleet and equipment and its failure to employ sufficient firefighters.

Lives and properties are unnecessarily being put at risk.  What will it take for action – does someone have to perish?”

UPDATE ON FIRE

The fire has been contained to the main car pile, although it is still burning and will be for some time.

There are seven fire trucks fighting the blaze at the moment.

A Fire spokesman said “this will be a long-duration incident and firefighters are expected to be on the scene throughout Thursday.

“The smoke plume is currently going straight up, but we do still encourage residents and businesses in the immediate area to keep their doors and windows closed, and for people to stay indoors.

Cordons remain in place on the streets around the fire, including Cumnor Terrace, Garlands Road and Marshall Street.

Fire and Emergency has personnel at each of the cordons to assist those residents who self-evacuated to get back to their homes. Please make yourself known to them if you require any assistance.

Environmental efforts continue to ensure the runoff into the Heathcote River is either stopped or contained. Booms were put in place on the river and sucker trucks are being used to drain any runoff.

We do not expect any schools to be impacted by this, but any parents concerned about this should contact their school directly.”