Ashburton Guardian, Monday, March 30, 2020

Page 1

Monday, Mar 30, 2020

Since Sept 27, 1879

Retail $2.20 Home delivered from $1.40

THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY

American dream cut short

Transport tough P2

Keeping it normal P16

FULL STORY

P2

Blaze guts workshop An engineering workshop on the outskirts of Rakaia is in ruins following a late night fire on Saturday which gutted the building and saw firefighters taking a cautious approach. The blaze, which the Rakaia Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to around 8.43pm on Saturday night, was fully involved by the time they arrived at the premise near the Rakaia Domain and Rakaia Chief Fire Officer, Tyrone Burrowes, said his crew were quick into their work. “You always take a cautious approach to those sorts of fires,” he said. “There were a few loud bangs coming from inside the building when we got there, but our first role is to get water on it quickly to try and bring the heat down. “You can never be 100 per cent sure

what you’re exactly dealing with, but a walk around the building is one of the first tasks for me and then we take it from there.” Rakaia were joined by units from Lauriston and Dunsandel to tackle the blaze and remained at the scene for two hours to bring the fire under control. Replacement breathing apparatus cylinders and personal protective equipment, which has to be replaced after each use, was sent from Ashburton. Burrowes said there were no immediate risks to any other buildings during the fire, but a row of trees near the shed meant quick action was needed to top the spread. Fire risk officers are only being called to inspect on blazes in certain circumstances during the lockdown period,

but a walk around the building in daylight was set to happen yesterday, along with a conversation with the property owner before a final determination is made on the cause of the blaze. It is not believed to be suspicious. Meanwhile, on Saturday afternoon the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to a Netherby address to help with an issue surrounding a gas cooker. Fire chief, Alan Burgess, said their role was minimal other that ensuring that the issue was fixed while the resident of the property received medical attention from St John. “It was just a case of incorrect use, so we got the issue sorted and that was all we were required to do.” Methven were called out yesterday morning to a false alarm.

Local news for local people Mid Canterbury’s only locally-owned daily newspaper

Don’t miss out - a villa for sale • A relaxed lifestyle

• A spectacular location

• Fabulous amenities

Call Donna Coxshall (Facility Manager) today on 03 307 6140

PHONE 03 307 6140 | 37 CARTERS TERRACE TINWALD, Ashburton 7700 | www.terraceview.co.nz

Ph 03 307 7900 to subscribe!


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Ashburton Guardian, Monday, March 30, 2020 by Ashburton Guardian - Issuu