A fire, caused by a hot exhaust pipe igniting dry grass, damaged at least 28 cars in the staff parking lot of Whangarei Hospital, Whangarei city, on 21/10. The incident, which saw many vehicles reduced to charred frames, prompted local authorities to enhance safety measures and clear dry vegetation from the area.

Surveillance video from the hospital's parking lot shows a pickup truck driver reversing into a parking space. The vehicle's rear was positioned near a patch of dry grass located between two rows of cars.

Minutes later, smoke began to rise from the truck's rear. The driver attempted to leave the scene as strong winds rapidly spread flames to nearby vehicles. Within minutes, the parking lot was enveloped in thick black smoke, and the camera stopped recording after the intense heat melted its cables.

Cars reduced to charred frames at the Whangarei Hospital staff parking lot. Photo: RNZ

Firefighters arrived and brought the blaze under control before it could spread to other areas of the hospital. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Following the incident, local authorities took steps to remove dry vegetation from the parking area and implemented increased safety protocols.

The fire, which occurred on 21/10, had its full video footage released more than two weeks later. The Whangarei Hospital staff parking lot accommodates about 200 vehicles and is currently undergoing expansion to create 583 new parking spaces.

My Anh (according to Stuff)