Gas bottle leak causes camp blaze
A faulty gas bottle is the likely cause of a fire that destroyed seven caravans, two cabins and part of a neighbouring house at a North Canterbury campground.
Firefighters were called to the Leithfield Beach Motor Camp on Tuesday evening after the flames spread from a barbecue to a hedge.
‘‘A camper was about to cook tea on an old circular barbecue,’’ camp co-owner Gail Fenemor said.
The gas bottle attached to the barbecue burst into flames, she said, spreading to a line of trees behind the campsite.
‘‘He tried to drag it away from the hedge, but it was too late.
‘‘We’ve lost two cabins, seven caravans owned by campers, awnings over those, a car and personal belongings of course.’’
Husband Kevin Fenemor said at least two motorbikes were also destroyed.
With the campground’s only two cabins destroyed, some reservations had to be cancelled, but the site was open for business, he said.
The campground was on Hurunui District Council land, which was leased by the business. The Fenemors were insured.
Fire Service specialist fire investigator Bruce Irvine said dry conditions contributed to the blaze, with flames jumping more than 50 metres to pine trees.
‘‘Northwest winds aggravated the fire significantly, as well as the proximity to the hedge line and other structures,’’ Irvine said.
‘‘It’s very dry – conditions are just right for fires. Allow extra space between where you are cooking and objects that can burn.’’
It was also important to check gas bottles regularly, Irvine said.
‘‘Spray some soapy water on the valves and the tube leading from your gas bottle to the barbecue, then turn the gas on without turning the barbecue on. Bubbles will appear if there is a leak.’’
- Fairfax NZ