Shed fire sparked by wire-chomping rodents

Photo: Warren Buckland

Rodents chewing electric wires are believed to have caused a fire that damaged a milking shed near Whangarei.

A fire service spokesman said firefighters were called to the blaze on Wright Rd, Pipiwai, about 40km north west of Whangarei, at 10.20am yesterday.

The milking shed, about 10 metres by 6m, was still ablaze when firefighters arrived, despite efforts by the owner to put out the flames.

It took two fire units from Kamo and one from Whangarei about 40 minutes to get the fire under control, though the shed was badly damaged.

Two high pressure water hoses and firefighters using breathing apparatus were needed as there were chemicals in the shed.

Firefighters were at the scene for about two hours. He said rodents chewing wires were believed to have caused the fire.

There was no word on whether the rodents survived the electric shock or fire.