26 Sep 2014

Firefighters' behaviour sparks inquiry

5:47 pm on 26 September 2014

The Fire Service is investigating accusations that drunk volunteer firefighters threatened bar staff in Blenheim earlier this month.

The men were in full uniform after attending an honours ceremony on 13 September.

It is claimed that after being refused service, they threatened to kill staff members and burn down the building.

The service's manager for the upper South Island, Brendan Nally, said he has begun a full investigation that hoped it would be completed in a week.

Mr McNally told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint programme today that the service expects its members to abide by its code of conduct .

He said it has a range of disciplinary actions it can take, including dismissal.