Investigation starts into Dunedin blaze

Firemen tackle the fire at Bracken Court in Dunedin. Picture / Otago Daily Times

Investigations began today into what may have started a huge fire that tore through a building in central Dunedin yesterday afternoon.

Fire fighters were nursing burns and other victims counting the cost of the Bracken Court fire, which appeared to have started on the second floor of the five storey building.

The city drew on every fire appliance it had to battle flames up to three storeys high while other buildings nearby were evacuated.

Five firefighters were taken to hospital with burns during the blaze and other ambulances remained at the scene, which drew a crowd of hundreds of people.

The building houses two apartments, offices for five businesses, a photography studio, a large area of storage and one bar.

Tia Winikerei and her partner and co-owner Shane Legge were unsure how much damage the Toast Bar, which they have owned for the three years, had sustained, but were confident any damage would be covered by insurance.

"Even a look in the window would be reassuring. The front of the building looks pretty unstable," Mr Legge said. "All we can do now is go home and wait."

Just before 3pm yesterday, Ms Winikerei was about to open the bar, but soon after she was running out on to the street as huge flames engulfed the top floor of Bracken Court.

"The fire alarms went off and I just thought it was a small fire. But then I saw all these flustered-looking women running out," she said.

Standing in the First Church grounds, Ms Winikerei and Mr Legge, who arrived soon after he heard the news, watched anxiously as the appliances attempted to bring the blaze under control.

Others in the building were counting the cost of lost files and equipment which they were unable to save before evacuating.

The injured firemen were seen rushing from the building minutes after a loud bang, followed by flames leaping out of the roof and windows. They immediately removed clothing and helmets and were doused with water and cold cloths.

Fire officers put the explosions down to heat, not gas or other chemicals.

No occupants of the building were hurt. It is thought there are between 20 and 35 people inside during the working day.

Chief fire officer Dave Seque said buildings next door to Braken Court were blistered but it was still unclear what the extent of damage was.

- NZPA