Backpackers remains open despite fire fears

A Hawke's Bay backpackers lodge deemed to be a lethal fire risk seven months ago remains open and is accepting guests.

The Fire Service found a raft of problems with the Farmhouse Lodge between Napier and Hastings last year, including the fact its sprinkler system and smoke alarms did not work, its fire extinguishers had not been maintained, and the stairs on an external fire escape were in a state of disrepair.

The Fire Service believed that death or injury would be likely in the event of a fire. Its investigation also discovered that the sprinkler system had previously failed during a fire and that past inspections had showed the alarm system was in a state of disrepair. Maintenance records were not available.

The two-storey former pub, which is about 130 years old, belongs to Dawson Bliss, who lives in it.

In July last year, Hastings District Council issued the lodge with two dangerous building notices and gave Bliss 10 days to fix the problems. In December, the council chose to prosecute him.

The lodge continued to take guests, and appeared to be open when The Dominion Post visited this week. Bliss, 55, appears in court later this month and could not be reached for comment.

The Fire Service said it was not able to close a building deemed to be such a major risk.

- The Dominion Post

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Backpackers remains open despite fire fears