Cool Store - Explosion & Fire

5th Alarm +

Tamahere, Hamilton

5 Apr 2008

It is with deep regret that I inform you that 1 fire fighter has died as a result of injuries sustained during the explosion.

7 others of his crew were also injured including 2 still in a critical condition.

Our thoughts go out to their families, friends and colleagues.

1 Fire Appliance (411) was also destroyed by the fire

Photo by ŠAndrew J. Dickson 

Photo by ŠAndrew J. Dickson  Photo by ŠAndrew J. Dickson 
Photo by ŠAndrew J. Dickson  Photo by ŠAndrew J. Dickson  Photo by ŠAndrew J. Dickson 
Photo by ŠAndrew J. Dickson  Photo by ZMaster Photo by ZMaster
Photo by ZMaster Photo by ZMaster Photo by ZMaster
Photo by ZMaster Photo donated anonymously Photo donated anonymously 
Photo donated anonymously  Photo donated anonymously  Photo donated anonymously 
Photo donated anonymously  Photo donated anonymously  Photo by Sarah Hagenson
Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Sarah Hagenson
Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Sarah Hagenson
Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Sarah Hagenson
Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Sarah Hagenson Photo by Cameron McConnochie
Photo by Cameron McConnochie Photo by Cameron McConnochie Photo by Daryl Lyes
Photo by Chris Nielsen Photo by Chris Nielsen Photo by Chris Nielsen
Photo by Chris Nielsen Photo by Chris Nielsen Photo by Chris Nielsen
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Simon Davies Photo by Simon Davies
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Sean Christian
Photo by Sean Christian Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson
Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson
Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson
Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson
Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson Photo by Fiona Jackson
   
Photo by Sean Christian    
Fire Stations around New Zealand fly their flags as a sign of respect to their fallen brothers

Wellington Central

Tawa

Harewood

Photo by Craig Crew

Pukekohe

Photo by Scott Palmer

Porirua

Porirua Ambulance Station

 

NZFS Recruits pay tribute outside Hamilton Fire Station

Photo courtesy of Waikato Times

Newlands VFB collect for the Tamahere Firefighters Fund at school gala

Photo by Jacob Quinn (Age 4)

     
 

Tribute movie by Derek Quinn

 

Official NZFS Media Release available here

 

 

 

Send/read condolence messages via NZFS website

 

and / or

 

Send/read condolence messages via NZPFU website

 

 

 

More photos and news coverage available here:

(Caution some graphic content)

 

New Zealand Herald

 

Sunday Star Times 

Attended by:-

Hamilton 411, 412, 413, 415, 4112, 4116

Chartwell 427, 4226

Pukete 431

Cambridge 441, 447, 4411

Te Awamutu 451, 4511

Morrinsville 361, 367, 3611

Huntly 3211, 3226

Matamata 3811

Rotorua 812, 814, 8116, 8126

Otorohanga 4611

Te Aroha 3711

Hamilton Airport 681, 6819

Pirongia 5876

Paeroa 5111

Greerton 751, 752, 7510

Auckland FP 5, 6, 8

Ngongotaha 822

Auckland 2015

Taupo 212

A FIREFIGHTER'S PRAYER

-Anon

When I am called to duty, God
Whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age,
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbour and
Protect his property
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your
protecting hand
My children and my wife.

R.I.P - SSO Derek Lovell

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his crew, their families & friends

SO Dennis Wells

SFF Alvan Walker

SFF Merv Neil

SFF Cameron Grylls

SFF Adrian Brown

SFF Dean Beanland

FF Brian Halford

 

Get well soon

Photos of the funeral procession for SSO Derek Lovell (click here)

Tamahere Firefighters Families Fund (TFFF)

A fund has been set up for the families of the 8 firefighters affected by the explosion

Donate at any branch of the Westpac bank

Account no. 030318087937700    Hamilton Branch

You do not need the account no. if you go into the bank

Photos by Derek Quinn

unless otherwise credited

This page is not affiliated to or an official website for any of the emergency services.
For any comments or photo donations for the website, please email: derek@111Emergency.co.nz

Updated:13 Apr 2008