Battle to keep huge fire from LPG tank

Firefighters had to put themselves between a huge blaze and an LPG tank to stop flames igniting it early yesterday.

The fire in Fruitpackers Hawkes Bay Co-operative buildings in Hastings caused up to $4 million damage, said general manager Chris Dillon.

A motorist reported the fire just before 2am.

About 70 firefighters battled flames up to 20m high in the two-building fire, which threatened the tank and a flammable goods store, said senior station officer Kerry Harford.

"The fire was growing rapidly. It was in the wood crates and cardboard trays so it was getting really big," he said.

Firefighters positioned themselves between the tank and shed and the burning buildings. At times they were within 10m of the flames.

"The tar was melting around them. They suffered a few minor burns, but that's their job, I suppose," he said.

The fire entered the packhouse, buckling its iron walls before it was put out. About a dozen smaller LPG cylinders exploded.

The packhouse's 52 permanent staff broke for the Christmas period yesterday and were due to return to work in about three weeks.

"We've lost 7000 bins of controlled atmosphere storage and the capacity to hold 50,000 cartons," Mr Dillon said.

"People have offered to help where they can. We will find storage."

Also destroyed were the meeting room and cafeteria, which were attached to one of the buildings, five forklifts and process machinery.

Mr Dillon said he thought the fire may have started from an electrical fault in the plant room. Fire safety officers were investigating.

Mr Dillon said he expected the two buildings to be replaced by the middle of next year.

- NZPA