The weekend's fire that took the life of a Tauranga woman in Rotorua is another painful reminder of the need for smoke alarms.
Deena Christa Borell, 32, was found in the rear bedroom of the Clayton Rd house she had only recently shifted into, soon after midnight on Monday.
Two teenage boys rescued
a young boy from the fierce fire, but were unable to save Ms Borell. Six other occupants were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
The house was so badly damaged it is likely it will have to be demolished.
Ms Borell's funeral service will be held tomorrow.
As her family mourn her, the question must be asked: Was her death avoidable?
An investigation has revealed there were no smoke alarms installed in the house and all causes had been eliminated apart from smoking in bed.
The tragedy prompted the Fire Service to issue yet another warning of the importance of smoke alarms which they say are almost always life savers.
Last year, the New Zealand Fire Service attended more than 3700 house fires. In more than 80 per cent of these fires, smoke alarms were either not installed or not working. Most fire deaths occur in homes, mainly while people are sleeping and can't smell smoke.
Some might argue that landlords should be responsible for smoke alarms in rentals but this would be difficult to police and who would be responsible for ensuring they are working?
Like many other things in life smoke alarms are a case of personal responsibility. It is up to individuals to ensure they are fitted.
Ms Borell's death comes after a weekend in which television adverts remind people to check smoke alarms or buy some as the clocks went back marking the end of daylight saving. It is likely plenty of people across the Western Bay ignored this.
In the words of Fire Service assistant fire commander Nigel Richards who spoke out following the fatal fire that claimed Ms Borell - for God's sake, get smoke alarms.
They save lives.
Online poll results:
Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?
89% said yes
11% said no
