Unit Fire in Hastings
Category : Brigade News
Where: Hastings
When: 14 February 2013
Type: Structure Fire
Appliances:
- Hastings: Pumper and Tanker
- Bittern: Pumper
Other Agencies: Police
On February 14, following a short but intense thunderstorm, Hastings Fire Brigade responded to a report of a two story unit fire. Crews turning out from the fire station could see black smoke rising, and after arriving on scene were confronted with the second story of the unit on fire. Crews attempted an internal attack but withdrew when the ceiling started to collapse.
After the arrival of Bittern and Hastings Tanker, crews again managed to gain entry to the building after the roof had collapsed and no longer posed a threat to fire fighter safety. The fire was shortly extinguished and crews mopped up any remaining hot spots, as well as help remove some valuables that had survived.
The occupant had not been at home when the fire began, which was ignited by a lightning strike during the thunderstorm. Damage to the building was extensive, though surrounding properties were protected from the blaze.