New Zealand Fire Service and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
Media update from Assistant National Commander Paul Baxter

12 pm Saturday 5 March 2011

USAR

* USAR teams are today continuing the recovery phase work.

* Cathedral – USAR teams have completed clearing the inside of the spire and are pleased to report that it is clear. There are additional checks yet to be completed in other parts of the building and surrounds .
* Forsyth Barr – all internal shoring work is completed allowing good progress on clearing the stairwell debris.

* USAR teams will be working with police outside the cordon area on buildings that have been identified to undergo a precautionary re-checking process before they are demolished or cleared. A substantial number of buildings will require this process.

Fire

* Total fire ban still in place.

* Thousands of fire safely leaflets are being distributed over the weekend focussing on the eastern suburbs and those zones within the CBD that are due to reopen on Sunday. People are advised to check this information on returning home or before power is restored to their properties. This information can also be found on www.fire.org.nz

ends

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