Rapid Response Restores Heat After Building Fire

When an unexpected incident disrupts essential services, speed, technical expertise, and clear communication are critical. Tubman Heating was recently called to assist following a fire within a building on site that led to significant disruption of its heating infrastructure, requiring an urgent solution to restore heat to multiple buildings.

The Challenge

The fire originated in a plant room within the main building, however, during fire‑fighting operations, large volumes of water were introduced to the site, resulting in plantroom flooding.

As a result, the two primary operating boilers were water‑damaged and taken out of service, leaving three connected buildings without heat and requiring an immediate response.

Assessing the Options

Tubman Heating attended site promptly to assess the extent of the damage and identify the most practical way to restore heating. While the main boilers were offline, our team identified an older, decommissioned boiler located in a separate plantroom that had not been affected by flooding.

Although this boiler had previously been taken out of service, it presented a viable option to reinstate heating quickly while longer‑term repairs to the main plantroom could be planned.

A Fast, Collaborative Solution

Working to tight timeframes, Tubman Heating successfully recommissioned the decommissioned boiler 3 working days, a fast turnaround for work of this complexity. The scope of works included:

Installing a new burner from our stock held in Auckland.
Installing new gas pipework
Reconfiguring and reconnecting electrical wiring
Commissioning and testing the boiler to ensure safe operation

In addition, the team:

Worked with other contractors to reinstate the flue duct system safety shutters that had previously been out of use
Reconfigured the pump arrangement to allow heated water to be distributed upwards to the main buildings, something the existing setup had not previously been configured for

This required strong problem‑solving on site and close collaboration across Tubman Heating’s technicians and support team.

Safety and Communication First

Throughout the project, we maintained clear and frequent communication with the customer, providing regular updates as work progressed and challenges were addressed. This transparency helped manage expectations and ensured all stakeholders were informed at every stage.

The customer also specifically commended Tubman Heating on our health and safety

procedures, which were maintained to a high standard despite the urgency of the works.

The Outcome

Thanks to a coordinated team effort and rapid mobilisation, heat was successfully restored to the site within a short timeframe, minimising disruption and providing a reliable interim heating solution.

This project demonstrates Tubman Heating’s ability to respond effectively to emergency situations: Delivering safe, practical, and timely solutions while maintaining strong communication throughout.

Need Help With a Breakdown or Urgent Repair?

If you’re experiencing an unexpected breakdown or require urgent heating system repairs, Tubman Heating is ready to respond. Our teams operate across New Zealand and provide fast, safe, and reliable support when you need it most.