What I cannot fathom is why none of the various NZ Fire Service executive officers who turned up at the CTV collapse took charge. I understand that they may have never faced a situation like this but as a volunteer fire officer I have routinely been faced with situations I have never faced before, but my logic and training tell me that I must take charge, direct resources, and ensure the safety of the firefighters under my command as well as others at the scene.

That none of the executive officers sought advice from the on-scene fire officers or the Police beggars belief.