Vape use suspected of causing Coffs Central evacuation

A VAPE is suspected of triggering the Automatic Fire Alarm at Coffs Central shopping centre on 13 May, leading to its evacuation.^.

Coffs Harbour Fire and Rescue, under the command of Station Officer Nat LaMacchia, investigated the cause and believed it to be someone vaping in the Harbour Drive entrance near the chemist.

Customers and staff calmly left the centre as business owners prepared to shut up shop.

“The suspected cause being quickly identified by fire crews meant the public could return to Coffs Central and continue on with their business,” Station Officer Sally Foote told News Of The Area.

“When a smoke detector or sprinkler head is activated, it automatically alerts the fire service through a fire panel on site.

“This also results in the evacuation system operating, alerting staff and customers that an alarm has been triggered and evacuation is required via the closest exit.”

Firefighters attending the call can go directly to the fire control room to identify where the activation has occurred.

An “all clear” is given as soon as possible.

“Most calls, fortunately, are false alarms. However sometimes fires do occur and that is why it is important to assume the worst until we know otherwise,” Station Offer Foote said.

“If people don’t evacuate, it can make our job difficult to account for everyone in the event of a fire”.

“It may be inconvenient for some, but we usually have the situation return to normal pretty swiftly.

“Firefighters really appreciate the cooperation of everyone involved, as it makes our job so much easier.”

By Andrea FERRARI