A dramatic fire at Whangārei Hospital in New Zealand on Tuesday afternoon destroyed at least half of 28 staff vehicles and damaged many others, highlighting the fire risks posed by hot exhausts and dry vegetation.
RNZ reported that the fire broke out shortly after 2pm in the staff car park located between the hospital campus and the Raumanga Stream, around 200 metres from the main hospital buildings.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) dispatched five fire trucks and roughly 20 firefighters from Onerahi, Portland, Kamo, and Whangārei to tackle the flames. By the evening, the fire had been contained, and crews were dampening down remaining hotspots.
Fire investigator Jason Goffin told RNZ that initial reports and CCTV footage pointed to a hot exhaust pipe coming into contact with long, dry grass as the likely cause. Strong winds then helped spread the fire along two rows of parked cars.
“CCTV footage appears to confirm that a vehicle parked near long grass had a hot exhaust pipe which ignited a fire that spread quickly along a row of parked cars.”
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the fire raced through the car park. Janine Cubitt, who was visiting the hospital, said she saw flames moving across multiple vehicles.
“It started with two cars, then moved along — there’s gotta be at least 12 to 15 cars involved. I could hear loud popping sounds, and things were coming out of car windows and flying into the air.”
Some vehicles that initially had their fires put out later reignited, she added.
Despite the destruction, hospital operations were unaffected. A doctor confirmed the blaze was well away from clinical areas, and Health New Zealand said no injuries were reported. Staff who normally park in the affected car park were offered alternative transport home while access remained restricted.
Alex Pimm, Health NZ Te Tai Tokerau operations director, told RNZ that the organisation was taking steps to reduce future fire risks.
“We’re looking at car park maintenance, including removing some vegetation over the next few days, and exploring other measures to prevent a similar incident.”
The car park holds up to 200 staff vehicles, and the fire has prompted discussions about fire safety in hospital grounds and the dangers of leaving vehicles near dry grass, particularly during windy conditions.
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