Two investigations have been launched into allegations that senior firefighters had been drinking before attending a fatal north Canterbury fire in September.
Jean Chaston, 87, died in Christchurch Hospital after a fire in her Rangiora house on September 20.
A passer-by rescued her husband Jack, 89, but Mrs Chaston was left in the house for up to eight minutes.
The Fire Service said last month this was because firefighters ran out of oxygen.
Acting national fire commander Paul McGill said yesterday two investigations had now been launched after concerns were expressed about Fire Service response to the blaze.
The first investigation was examining the firefighters' performance, while the second was looking into allegations that two senior staff had been drinking before attending the fire, he told The Press.
"This is being carried out by an independent investigator."
The men at the centre of the allegations are still working.
- NZPA
Claims firefighters drinking before fatal blaze
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