New Zealand Fire Service and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)

Media update

17:30 Monday 28 February 2011

The morale of our personnel is holding up and in large-scale events such as this is it something that we are very conscious of. We have suite of support services available such as; peer support, critical incident teams and psychologists, if required.

USAR

• All buildings have had an assessment in the CBD. 80% of buildings within the four avenues have been searched. At least 30 of these will require heavy machinery to assist in the ‘delayering’ process.

• There are still areas in collapsed buildings that have been impossible to access.

• Work is being done to stabilise the Grand Chancellor in order to provide access to this building and those surrounding it.

• United States and NZ USAR teams are working on the Forsyth Barr building. It has been assessed internally. A section of the stairwell has collapsed which is restricting access and impeding progress.

• Due to the delicacy of the operation, work on the CTV building will now be restricted to daylight hours. All other operations remain 24/7.

International teams

There are eight countries represented in this USAR operation. These include New Zealand, China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, UK, USA and Australia (Queensland and NSW). Teams are working in the following buildings.

• CTV – Japan and NZ

• Pyne Gould – UK

• Cathedral – NZ.

• Forsyth Barr – USA and NZ

• Others are scattered throughout the city

Thank you to contractors

We want to acknowledge and thank the many contractors who are providing tremendous support to the USAR teams offering vital support such as operating heavy machinery, carting rubble, providing lighting and cameras.

There are many helping us and we are grateful that every time we ask for help, it is there!

New Zealand Fire Service safety notice and total fire ban

The public of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are advised that there is a total fire ban. This includes the whole area managed by Christchurch City Council. This will ensure that limited water supplies are available for other fire emergencies.

Other key fire safety messages include:

• Hazardous substances: If members of the public are concerned regarding the emissions of toxic substances please call emergency services (111), proving details of the extent of the hazard.

• Use of electricity: Fire risk may increase in homes due to earthquake damage to wiring. Residents are advised to check that damaged wiring is not exposed to materials that could be ignited because of short circuit or heating. If you are still without power, please ensure all electrical appliances are turned off to avoid fires when electricity is restored.

• Chimneys and flues: Your flue or chimney may have incurred damage. Do not light fires in these. Contact a builder or plumber to have yours checked.

• Smoke alarms: Ensure every smoke alarm is in working order and practise your escape plans in the event of a fire.

Please note that these NZ Fire Service/USAR updates are also displayed on the screen on the outside of the NZ Fire Service Gallery Command Unit (the red Fire Service truck outside the Art Gallery building near here on Montreal St).

ENDS

© Scoop Media