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JOHN WEEKES / Stuff
A trio of fire jumpers have led Fenz to warn business owners to lock their containers and keep them away from buildings.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging business owners to lock their garbage containers after three container fires in downtown Nelson.
The fires, between 7:45 p.m. and 10:35 p.m. in jumps on or near Halifax and Bridge streets on Thursday, occurred when businesses were closed.
A police spokeswoman said police were notified of the fires. Officers would make inquiries and work with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz), he said.
Fenz Community National Preparedness and Recovery Manager Steve Turek said there were easy ways to prevent potentially destructive fires like the Nelson container fires.
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Simon O’Connor / Stuff
The three fire jumpers were all in downtown Nelson. (File photo)
“We recommend that businesses, especially those in highly visible areas, lock their containers with padlocks, keep them away from buildings and, if possible, fenced off from the public,” Turek said. “The containers are usually full of cardboard, paper and other flammable materials. It doesn’t take much for a small fire to become a big one. “
Container mobility could also increase fire hazards.
“They generally have wheels, so they can easily be pushed against a wall, and a fire limited to a contained area can spread to a building,” Turek said.
Stuff
Police have been notified of the jump fires and officers are making inquiries.
Recommended security lighting around commercial properties.
“Having a well-lit area can deter antisocial behavior like lighting fires,” Turek said.
KELLY HODEL / THINGS
George Jensen, Hamilton Fire Risk Management Officer, with some tips on how to keep your family safe from fires. Video first published in February 2020.
People can visit https://fireandemergency.nz/business-and-landlords/business-fire-safety-checklist/ for information on how to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents in their businesses.
In addition to the trio of fire jumps, Nelson’s firefighters put out a bonfire on Tāhunanui beach shortly after midnight.
