A team has been appointed to conduct the investigation into the tragic incident at the Tamahere Ice Pak cool store at the weekend that resulted in the loss of life of SSO Derek Lovell, and serious injury to seven of his fellow firefighters.

'I have set up a team of experts to conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into the explosion and fire at Tamahere,' said Mike Hall, National Commander/Chief Executive, New Zealand Fire Service.

The report will cover the cause of the explosion and fire and the Fire Service's response to the particular circumstances at the Tamahere cool store facility and its management of the incident.

A detailed forensic examination of the fire site will also be completed.

The investigation team includes:

• Dr Paula Beever, Phd, Director of Fire Risk Management, New Zealand Fire Service (investigation leader)
  
• Paul McGill, Director of Operations and Training, New Zealand Fire Service
  
• Steven Warner, President, New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union
  
• Paul Henderson, former Chief Fire Officer of the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, United Kingdom and current Senior Fire Officer, New Zealand Fire Service.

The team will be assisted by experienced fire investigator, Bob Alexander, from the New South Wales Fire Brigades, Australia.

'I have great confidence that this team will take all reasonable steps to bring the investigation to a conclusion so that we can minimise the risk of this tragedy ever happening again,' says Mr Hall.

The inquiry team will report to Dr Beever within 90 days of the Terms of Reference being finalised. This is expected over the next few days.