Eleanor Thompson Fire Breaks Out in Central Wellington Kāinga Ora Building
On Thursday afternoon, 12 June 2025, a fire broke out on the second floor of a Kāinga Ora apartment building in central Wellington, leading to the evacuation of approximately 20 residents and the closure of two major roads. The incident occurred near the intersection of Boulcott Street and Church Street, a busy area close to the city centre.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with up to 10 fire trucks, multiple ambulances, and police vehicles attending the scene. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) reported that the fire alarm had been activated, triggering sprinklers on the second floor which helped contain the blaze.
Rescue and Evacuation Efforts
Assistant Commander Gareth Hughes of FENZ confirmed that a person was rescued from a smoke-logged room and was handed over to ambulance staff for medical care. The priority for emergency crews was to ensure all residents were safely evacuated and that the fire was fully extinguished.
A full fire sweep was conducted to confirm that no one remained inside the affected floors or rooms before residents were allowed to return. The fire was declared out by approximately 2:30 p.m., but Boulcott Street remained closed to traffic as a precaution and for ongoing investigations.
Cause and Investigation
A fire investigator has been assigned to determine the cause of the fire. Initial reports indicate the fire originated on the second floor, but the exact source remains unknown. The activation of sprinklers and working smoke alarms were credited with minimizing the fire’s spread and aiding in the safe evacuation of residents.
Impact on Local Traffic and Community
The closure of Boulcott Street and Church Street caused traffic disruptions in central Wellington during the busy afternoon period. Police and emergency services managed traffic diversions while the fire was brought under control and investigations began.
Residents affected by the evacuation were temporarily displaced but no serious injuries have been reported. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in social housing buildings and the importance of functional alarm and sprinkler systems.
Background: Kāinga Ora and Social Housing Safety
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities is New Zealand’s public housing agency responsible for providing and managing state housing. The organisation has been actively working to improve the quality and safety of its housing stock, including the installation of fire safety systems.
This fire follows a tragic history of fire incidents in Wellington’s social housing sector, notably the 2023 Loafers Lodge boarding house fire which resulted in multiple fatalities and led to legal action against building managers for failures in fire safety.
Community and Official Responses
Local officials have expressed relief that the fire was contained quickly and that residents escaped harm. They reiterated the importance of ongoing investment in fire safety infrastructure in social housing.
Kāinga Ora has stated its commitment to supporting affected tenants and ensuring the safety of its properties. The agency is cooperating fully with fire investigators and emergency services.
Summary
A fire on the second floor of a Kāinga Ora apartment building in central Wellington on 12 June 2025 led to the evacuation of around 20 people and the closure of two city streets. Thanks to working sprinklers and smoke alarms, the fire was contained with no serious injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, and investigations into the cause are underway. The incident highlights the ongoing need for rigorous fire safety measures in social housing across New Zealand.
