Editorial: Neighbours brave after Hastings house blaze

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. Photo / File

Fire safety is something we're all taught from a young age.

Despite the continual TV adverts warning us of the dangers, it's still so easy to lose concentration, and, in that split second, a fire to take hold.

Two Hastings fire crews spent two-and-a-half hours early on Saturday battling a large blaze at a unit on Ferguson St, Akina.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Hastings station officer Michael Manning said the fire had been caused by unattended cooking.

The single occupant of the unit was extremely shaken, but, if not for the actions of his neighbours, it could have been much worse.

Local residents were woken by fire alarms and pried the unit's garage door open to free the man as his home was engulfed in flames.

While most of us can never imagine the fear felt during a house fire or the sense of loss that follows, a small amount of solace can be taken from the actions of the residents on Ferguson St.

Another neighbour, Noel Pulford, who opened the garage door, said about eight neighbours rushed to the flat to help the man.

In the contradictory world in which the advancements in communication technology have seemingly had a negative effect in many communities, the bravery of those who came to their neighbour's aid in the early hours of Saturday morning are a comforting reminder that we are not on our own.

Mr Manning said the man was lucky to be alive and reiterated the importance to "keep looking while you are cooking".

My thoughts are with the occupant and I wish him a speedy recovery.

I also commend the actions of the neighbours whocame to the man's aid.