Importance of smoke alarms underlined

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Working smoke alarms probably woke the occupants of a home in Raupunga that was all but destroyed by fire on Thursday night.

Firefighters from Wairoa were called to the fire that began inside the ceiling of a property on Putere Road about 10pm and arrived to find the house fully alight.

A Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said two appliances were at the scene dealing with the fire until nearly 2am yesterday morning.

Fire and Emergency NZ Hawke's Bay district acting manager Glen Varcoe said fire investigators were on the scene yesterday morning.

“There was no indication the fire was suspicious at this stage although a cause had not yet been determined.

“The residents awoke to, we believe, smoke alarms sounding and the house filled with smoke, so they called 111 and got everyone out of the house.

“Wairoa firefighters responded to a fire in the ceiling that was about to break out and it took them several hours to put it out.”

All occupants were able to get out promptly and did not require medical attention.

“You are four times more likely to survive a house fire if you have a working smoke alarm,” Mr Varcoe said. “We recommend installing one in every bedroom, hallway and living area, or even in a garage area, just to give you that early warning so you can get out and ring 111.” — NZ Herald