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Flames leap from a huge cool store at Tamahere, near Hamilton, in 2008. The fire started when propane gas used as a refrigerant was ignited by electricity and exploded. Eight firefighters who were investigating a smoke alarm were caught in the blast. Six were seriously injured and one, Derek Lovell, died. The incidence of chemical fires increased from the 1970s as industry diversified.
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by Philippa Stevenson
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