![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/copy-of-an-electric-blanket-was-the-cause-of-the-fire-on-a-historic-building-in-invercargills-cbd-a..webp\"){kind=spacer}
An electric blanket was the cause of the fire on a historic building in Invercargill\u2019s CBD, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) manager says. PHOTO: ODT FILES <\/p>\nAn historic building described as a blight\u00a0on the Invercargill city centre\u00a0will finally be demolished three years after it was gutted by fire.<\/p>\n
Six people were evacuated when the former Briscoes building in Dee St went up in flames after an electric blanket caught fire in September 2023.<\/p>\n
A\u00a010-year-old-boy was taken to hospital for treatment after suffering severe burns to his face and limbs.<\/p>\n
The fate of the\u00a0heritage-listed building, described as an eyesore by neighbouring businesses,\u00a0has been in limbo amid wrangling over its protected status.<\/p>\n
The outcome of a demolition\u00a0hearing on October 15\u00a0has now sealed its fate.<\/p>\n
Independent hearing commissioner Paula Costello has granted consent for demolition after hearing\u00a0evidence on the building\u2019s heritage significance, structural condition, options for retaining it\u00a0and measures to manage the effects of demolition.<\/p>\n
An electric blanket was the cause of the fire on a historic building in Invercargill\u2019s CBD, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) manager says. PHOTO: ODT FILES <\/p>\n
The building, which dates back to 1882, is listed as a Category 2 historic place by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and is protected under the Invercargill City District Plan.<\/p>\n
Acting Invercargill mayor Grant Dermody said the news was a positive step.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe building has been a blight on our city centre for the past three years, and we know its condition has had a significant impact on surrounding businesses and the wider area.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been a long road to get to this point, and we understand the frustration around how long the process has taken. This is a positive step forward and provides a clear pathway towards a resolution. It is encouraging to see progress being made towards getting the site tidied up and moving this part of our city centre forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The consent included\u00a0a range of conditions governing the demolition process and future redevelopment of the site.<\/p>\n
– Allied Media<\/p>\n
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