The death of an elderly Dannevirke woman yesterday highlights the need for people to be aware of keeping safe around gas heaters, a Hastings firefighter says.
Mona Grace Stewart, 92, who lived on the corner of Waterloo and McPhee streets, was found dead on the back steps of her house about
9.50am, Central District Police communications manager Kim Perks said.
"Mrs Stewart, who was in her dressing gown, was drying some clothes in front of a gas heater when it appears her dressing gown caught fire," Ms Perks said.
"From what we can gather, she tried to make her way outside while putting out the flames and collapsed on the back steps of her home, where she died."
Mrs Stewart was found by a caregiver.
There appeared to be no suspicious circumstances.
The death has been referred to the coroner and a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
Hastings Fire Station Senior Station Officer Hamish Smith said the Dannevirke case highlighted the need for people to remember to keep safe around gas heaters.
People needed to be aware that wearing loose clothing around gas heaters was also a danger, he said.
"We try and tell people not to stand over the gas heater when they are lighting it."
Gas heaters needed to be serviced regularly with the gas hoseline checked.
"They are a bit like a motor vehicle," Mr Smith said.
"There is a certain amount of maintenance required and it is not just an item you go to the Warehouse and buy and think you do not need to do anything for 20 years."
Gasworkz Ltd owner Chris O'Connor said gas heaters were not dangerous if people used common sense when lighting them.
"You must start them from the side, especially when you are wearing night clothing," he said.
Mr O'Connor said they needed to be serviced every 12 months.
Electric heaters caused more fires, he said.
