News
An early morning fire in central Invercargill left six individuals injured, with one person in serious condition, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
FENZ received by around 1:30 am reporting a blaze in a building on Dee street,” a FENZ spokesperson confirmed.
“Firefighters arrived promptly, but the building was already well lit. In response, we dispatched seven fire trucks to combat the flames.”
The fire was contained to the old Briscoe & Co building on corner of Dee & Spey streets, (many will remember the Pall Mall arcade on the ground floor of the building)w ith both police and ambulance services lending their support.
“All occupants were successfully evacuated from the affected building, and St. John ambulance personnel provided care to the injured individuals.”
Several fire trucks and support crews remain at the scene to monitor the situation.
In a statement, local police confirmed that the fire occurred on Dee Street and that “one of the six people treated by ambulance staff is in serious condition and taken to Southland Hospital.” Further details regarding the incident are currently under investigation.
The last time there was a big fire like this was back in 1983 when Broad Small department store was destroyed in a fiery blaze.
Related: 40 Years Since Broad Small Department Store Fire