A report from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) has detailed how the controversial New Year’s Eve fireworks display led to a significant blaze at the Dalefield property linked to New York-based property tycoon Tony Malkin.
Before the fire Mr Malkin — who is the chief executive of Empire State Realty Trust which owns the landmark New York skyscraper — had already upset neighbours of his Dalefield property, near Queenstown, who raised concerns about the impact of the event on horses and other stock.
Five volunteer firefighter appliances from the Queenstown and Arrowtown brigades were dispatched to the fire, along with police.
In a report released yesterday, Fenz investigator Murray Milne-Maresca determined the blaze was accidental and caused by the fireworks malfunctioning.
The fire started about 12.05am and burnt 0.5ha of grass and shrub in three areas around the pyrotechnics trailer.
According to a Fenz incident report, firefighters were first notified of the fire at 12.12am.
The investigation revealed residue from pyrotechnic shells could be found up to 60m in all directions from the fireworks trailer.
"The carbon residue was still hot when it contacted the ground setting the fire alight immediately," Mr Milne-Maresca’s report said.
If the pyrotechnics had performed correctly and the way they were designed they should have been cool or even cold on landing after reaching their full altitude.
While the property had its own hydrant system and there was no shortage of water, the hydrant failed within minutes of firefighters connecting to it.
It was later discovered that contractors did not reopen the main valve after testing or repair.
Firefighters were able to take water from a nearby pond and stated it did not affect their ability to fight the fires.
Discarded pyrotechnic residue was found on the lawns of nearby properties, over 65m away, with no signs of burning around them.
Fenz region manager Mike Grant said a donation of $50,000 was sent to each of the Arrowtown and Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigades following the fire.
The identity of the donor would not be disclosed.
"Fire and Emergency is supporting both brigades as they consider how to make best use of the donations to further their work in their communities," Mr Grant said.
The director of Firework Professionals, the Christchurch based company who put together the pyrotechnic display, has been approached for comment.
