Fire chief 'oblivious' to Feb quake ramifications
Regional commander under fire at CTV building inquest.
The Christchurch fire service was increasingly divided and polticised leading up to the February 22, 2011, earthquake.
This was part of the evidence given in the inquiry into deaths at the earthquake damaged CTV building this afternoon by David Burford, assistant area manager of the city's New Zealand Fire Service operation.
He described regional commander Rob Saunders as “oblivious” to what was going on.
Later under cross-examination from Nigel Hampton QC, Mr Burford enlarged on his comments to say Mr Saunders did not realise the enormity of what had happened.
Mr Burford was also critical of other actions by Mr Saunders, including ordering Mr Burford to remain at the base answering telephones.
Mr Burford was echoing dissatisfaction that have also been aired in an internal Fire Service report, which recommended an overhaul of the management structure.
Earlier today the inquest heard from Jim Stuart-Black, who oversees the Urban Search and Rescue task force.
Like many USAR members, he is also a member of the Fire Service.
These dual roles led to considerable confusion over who was in charge of the fire site at the CTV building where 115 people lost their lives.
A three-week coroner’s inquest is investigating the deaths.
Chris Hutching
Mon, 05 Nov 2012
Mon, 05 Nov 2012
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Fire chief 'oblivious' to Feb quake ramifications
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