Fire-damaged Prebbleton bar likely to be closed for next two months

• Published date: 24 April 2024
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times: Web Edition Articles (New Zealand)

The Bridge owners Murray and Melissa Smith say it could take that time to repair and get through consent processes for the Prebbleton venue

Oily tea towels which spontaneously combusted in an area near the eatery's kitchen caused the damaging blaze about 5am last Wednesday.

The fire did not spread into the main bar and eating area.

Fire and Emergency NZ specialist fire investigator Mitchell Jeffery said there is a risk of fires occurring from spontaneous ignition when fabrics have been contaminated with oils or grease prior to washing, which can be common in commercial laundries.

"The cause of the fire was determined to be spontaneous combustion of oily tea towels. Ignition happens because of the slow oxidation of the oil or fat residues in the fabric. It typically takes a long time before ignition occurs, in this case, more than eight hours," he said.

"When washing rags or other items that have been exposed to oils: They should have a hot wash with detergent, be allowed to...