Scorched Memories

Television (Full Length) – 1997

Still to this day, the 1947 fire that occurred at Christchurch's Ballantynes' Department Store remains the deadliest in Aotearoa's history. The disaster is thoroughly examined in this documentary, which explores how the tragedy happened, the ensuing investigation and the emotional responses of many of those involved. With 41 people dead and clear wrongdoing found by the commission of inquiry, Scorched Memories raises the question of why no one was prosecuted. Christchurch-based company, Raconteur International, was behind the production.

The building had been illegally modified and was a firetrap. Delays in the call to the fire brigade, fatally aggravated the situation.
– Presenter Brian Edwards