17 May 2023

Fire protection specialist questions state of lodge

From Morning Report, 6:41 am on 17 May 2023

Questions are emerging about the state of the Wellington hostel where at least six people died in a fire on Monday night.

The 92 room Loafers Lodge was near capacity when a fire broke out on the top floor.

The building passed an inspection in February and had fire alarms, a smoke extraction system and two stairwells to get out - but no sprinklers.

Charlie Loughnan is a fire protection specialist and ex-firefighter, and he spoke with Corin Dann.