Open day at fire home a success

SUCCESSFUL: These students from Ngata Memorial College were among the young people who toured the fire-damaged house on Thursday in the successful open day. With them is Ruatoria volunteer fire brigade member Bernie Rogers. Pictures supplied

A COMBINED open day at a fire-damaged house in Ruatoria on Thursday drew a sizeable crowd and the fire service and Housing New Zealand have hailed the exercise a success.

The day demonstrated the impact of a house fire and the importance of keeping doors closed. The property in Holland Place in Ruatoria suffered a kitchen fire in July, which caused extensive damage to rooms where the doors were left open.

“The day was a great success, with approximately 150 people turning up over the course of the day including primary and secondary school students,” a Housing NZ spokeswoman said.

“The fire service took groups through the house to show them the damage that had occurred.”

Ruatoria firefighters also carried out a safety demonstration.