Watch kept on Westport fire site

Press, 29 August 1986, Page 2

Watch kept on Westport fire site

Westport reporter An independent fire expert from Christchurch is sifting through the remains of the Buller Unemployment Centre building on behalf of the B.U.C. A spokesman, Mr Peter Lusk, said the centre had also engaged a Christchurch lawyer to prevent the Westport Borough Council from having the gutted building pulled down before the centre’s own investigating team and the fire expert have been through it Meanwhile, centre members are keeping a careful watch on \the building and will post an all-night guard to prevent another fire or any disturbance of possible new evidence. The centre is angry that the Westport Borough Council and Buller Electric Power Board staff tried to go through the remains of the centre early on Wednesday without permission. Mr Lusk said members would be speaking to their lawyer over the matter and to warn the public that it was private property' and must not be

entered without authority from the Buller Unemployment Centre. In spite of police statements that the fire was accidental, Mr Lusk said his members believed it was arson. He said members had already found evidence of an accelerant along the inside of a rear wall. The centre disputed the police statement that the fire started in the top floor. “Our members believe it was arson because of the tremendous speed it took hold,” said Mr Lusk. The Westport Borough Council wants what remains of the building pulled down. The Mayor of Westport, Mr Pat O’Dea, said the building was dangerous and should be removed as soon as possible. In the meantime, the council warned people not to go inside. The council plans to serve a notice on the Buller Unemployment Centre telling it to demolish the building. If it refuses the council has the power to demolish it and charge the centre for the work.