February 26, 2009

Firefighters put out a fire on a luxury fishing launch on Lake Taupo just hours before a second blaze sparked a series of explosions, ripping the boat apart at its mooring.
Three explosions tore apart the 12-metre Pelin-designed Crissarda, leaving a blackened shell after the pre-dawn fire yesterday.
The force of the flames and explosions peeled paint and blew out windows on a launch moored alongside. No one was injured in the fire which destroyed the charter vessel, worth $250,000. It had been on the market since last year.
Investigators sifting through the remains of the boat said it was too early to know the cause.
Murray Johns, who lives across from the harbour entrance, said he was woken about 5am by the first of three explosions. Mr Johns said he could see the boat on fire across the river from his house. He said a small fire on board had been put out earlier the previous evening.
Owner Greg Adam said an electrical fault may have been the cause of the major fire.
The seat of the fire was in the helm where main wiring connected to controls on the fly deck. Mr Adam said firemen had put out a smaller fire about 9pm. 'We suspect the two fires could be linked.'