Compliance centre hit by fire
The owner of a vehicle compliance and certification company says it’s likely he will need to find new location for the business after his Christchurch premises suffered major damage in a fire.
About 30 per cent of Auto Inspection Services’ roof was wrecked by the flames. It’s believed around six vehicles have been burnt while about 40 at the building’s other end may be smoke contaminated.
Nick Owens, managing director, told Autofile Online: “Our neighbour is a transfer station. It looks like a lithium battery got damaged there and went up in flames, which then came up through the roof and spread to our building.
“Luckily, we didn’t have a huge amount of cars inside at the time. However, the building is pretty muntered, and there’s been some damage to vehicles and equipment.
“We cannot get inside, but it’s not a pretty picture. There’s nothing we can do about it at the moment. We have good insurance. I can’t see us operating from here any time soon though.”
Owens’ company has been operating from its location in Columbo Street, Sydenham, for about 10 years and around $1.5 million was spent refurbishing it about 12 months ago.
That work included removing asbestos from the roof so he’s relieved at least no health hazards have been created by the flames, which would have been the case if it hadn’t been done.
Contrary to some media reports, Owens confirms the fire wasn’t started by a vehicle in his premises and no one has been injured. “We had one EV on site, which is my work vehicle. We took it out and it’s completely undamaged.”
He is positive about the future and doesn’t believe this will be the end of his business. Far from it – he will now investigate what warehouse space and equipment is available.
Owens is well-known in the automotive industry, especially the used-imports sector. He was chairman of the South Island branch of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) for several years.
In a statement, VIA says it has been in touch with Owens, and is relieved he and his team are safe. “Unfortunately, it looks like it will take months to rebuild his successful business.
“Nick has been a valued member of our association for many years, and has made significant contributions to our policy discussions and council deliberations.
“VIA will continue to offer any support we can to Nick and his team during this challenging time.”
Emergency crews were on-site all day on September 26 after the incident was called in at about 4.30am. Smoke drift affected the Sydenham, Addington and Spreydon areas of Christchurch.
Fire and Emergency NZ warned people to stay indoors if possible, keep doors and windows closed, and be mindful about using air-conditioning units.
Incident controller Dave Key says the blaze was contained and its cause is still being investigated. About 50 firefighters and 10 fire engines have been in attendance at the scene. [Photo: RNZ]
