All safe after fire engulfs house in Wairoa

This home in Lion Street, Wairoa, was engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived early yesterday morning. Picture by Jack Ward, Wairoa Star

Wairoa and Nuhaka firefighters were called out in the early hours of yesterday morning to a major house fire in Wairoa.

They found the home fully ablaze.

The 111 calls started to come in just before 1am on Tuesday morning.

“Three fire appliances and 12 firefighters attended from the Wairoa and Nuhaka volunteer fire brigades who responded,” said Fire and Emergency group manager Hamish Smith.

“On arrival the house was fully involved in fire and threatening a neighbouring property.

“Fortunately all the occupants of the property were accounted for on arrival.”

Mr Smith said while the cause of the fire was not thought to be suspicious, investigations were continuing to confirm how the fire got started.

“Even with working smoke alarms, this is a good reminder about the speed of fire and having an escape plan.

“Fire moves incredibly fast — a house fire can kill within three minutes.”