Disbelief at news of firefighter's death

Flags in Waipu's main street fluttered at half-mast as the small community mourned the tragic loss of a popular man.
Andrew Scotland, 34, a volunteer firefighter, died instantly when the commercial tandem hang-glider he was on crashed at the base of The Remarkables, near Queenstown, on Tuesday.
The adventure was to be the highlight of a trip for several firefighters who had finished competing in a national firefighting competition, but instead the service and Waipu community is in shock.
Mr Scotland's wife, Pauline, and four others witnessed the 300m fall.
Yesterday, the flag outside the Waipu station where Mr Scotland had served for 10 years, was also at half-mast, as flowers and food from residents and other Northland brigades were being delivered.
Inside the station, in a locker below Mr Scotland's name tag, his firefighting kit remained untouched.
Navy-blue socks hung from the lip of his black rubber boots. His bright yellow helmet hung off a silver hook, alongside a pair of blue overalls.
A pair of scuffed leather boots sat next to a bunch of flowers at the base of the locker.
Mr Scotland's body is expected to be flown back to Northland tomorrow while arrangements for his funeral continue.
A blue and white Scottish national flag outside Waipu business The Thistle was one of three at half-mast in the main street.
Shop owner Jill Mutch said the community was shocked and horrified by the death and people were feeling numb.
"Until the family gets back apart from condolences at the fire station and flying the flag, there is nothing anyone can do," Ms Mutch said.
Other flags were lowered outside the museum and the gateway to Caledonian Park.
Hammer Hardware worker Mary Williams said Mr Scotland was well known in the Bream Bay area and had been very community-orientated.
"He will leave a big hole, especially in the brigade," Mrs Williams said.
"He was always there to lend a hand. The news doesn't seem real. I think it's still sinking in for most people."
The flag at Bream Bay College, Ruakaka, was also flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for the former student.
Northland Fire Service volunteer support officer Colin Kitchen was at a conference in Queenstown when the news filtered through about the tragedy. He said the firefighting community had rallied around and helped the Waipu members while they were in Queenstown.
"The support has been fantastic. We will get Scotty home and give him a lovely send-off."
The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.
A witness said it appeared the hang-glider had made a steep turn when the wings folded back and collapsed. It appeared the pilot's emergency parachute had failed to deploy.
The pilot killed was Argentinian Gerardo Bean, 27, who was an employee of Queenstown company Skytrek.