St John can confirm our Whakatane retail store located on the Strand has been damaged in a fire overnight that affected a row of shops where it is located.
St John is working to ascertain the extent of the damage to the store, which is a leased building, but we understand it to be extensive. Fortunately, no one was present at the store at the time of the fire.
This is devastating for our people and for the local community; it’s taken place only a short time after we reopened following the lockdown, and at the busiest retail time of the year.
Support is being provided to our staff and volunteers and St John is supporting New Zealand Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand with their investigations.
Please attribute to Steve McLean, St John National Retail Manager
ENDS