Sydenham warehouse fire leaves businesses assessing wind-driven damage

A major fire at a Sydenham warehouse forced nearby businesses to clear assets and monitor structural risks on Wednesday morning.

Flames erupted at the corner of Brisbane and Coleridge Streets at 11.30 a.m., producing thick black smoke visible across the city. Seven fire crews worked for several hours to control the blaze. Lauren Cowden, a funeral director whose business sits less than 200 meters away, observed the structure fully alight within 15 minutes of the initial ignition.

Cheryl Cowden, owner of the nearby funeral home, stated that the proximity of a gas tank supplier presented a severe hazard. She noted that the gas facility across the road avoided overheating, preventing a potential secondary explosion. She described the absence of injuries as the primary positive outcome of the incident.

Sean McGrath, director of Slade Engineering, located directly opposite the burning building, reported that his staff spotted the fire during a meeting. He ordered vehicles moved to clear space before the team observed smoke exiting roof vents followed by protruding flames. McGrath indicated that a westerly wind would have threatened his facility, but prevailing winds carried debris away from his property.

McGrath speculated that surrounding businesses likely sustained some damage, though he did not quantify the losses. He noted that the wind direction was a critical factor in limiting the impact on Slade Engineering. Cowden expressed frustration with onlookers who parked vehicles in the street, arguing that these actions placed emergency services and spectators in jeopardy.

Cowden coordinated with police to allow mourners to access her premises during a scheduled funeral. She reported that the family handled the disruption well, noting they said the event ended with a bang. She described the scene as gut-wrenching for the business owner whose property was destroyed.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand left the site on Thursday afternoon after crews remained overnight. Investigators handled a flare-up in the early hours of Thursday. Two fire investigators are currently on site, continuing to determine the cause of the fire.