Pāpāmoa fire: Family lose pet and belongings in house fire caused by a drone battery

A fire that destroyed a Pāpāmoa home, killing a pet, was caused by a new drone battery catching alight in the garage, according to a Givealittle page set up for the family.

The page was set up by Pāpāmoa Primary School principal Matt Simeon.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said while the investigation was not yet complete, the fire is believed to be caused by a lithium ion battery that was charging.

A spokesman previously said multiple callers reported the fire about 3.50pm on Tuesday and crews found the house “well-involved” on arrival.

The Givealittle page said the family home was “engulfed with flames while picking up the boys from school”.

Fire crews at the scene of the house fire in Pāpāmoa Beach.

“A new drone battery caught on fire in their garage, and within no time at all, their house was alight.

“Thankfully, the family is 100 per cent safe and, while a pet was lost in the blaze, no other physical injuries were sustained.

“However, they have lost almost everything in their house.”

The page was set up “for people to show their support in some way as the whānau works through the post-fire process with their insurance providers”.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he was at home resting when the fire happened.

He said another neighbour came over and told him the house was on fire.

“The only thing I was doing was hosing down the fence between us to make sure the fire didn’t spread onto our property.”

He said he saw “very dense smoke”.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

He said he knew the affected household well and understood they were staying with family.

Five trucks from Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui, Greerton and Te Puke battled the blaze, with the last truck leaving at 5.20pm.

A fire investigator went to the property.

Lithium ion battery safety

Fire safety tips:

• Only buy and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.
• Only use chargers and batteries supplied with the device, or certified third-party charging equipment compatible with the battery specifications. Ie: the same voltage and current.
• Always charge electronic scooters and bikes away from exits so you can safely escape in a fire. These should be stored and charged outside or in a garage, shed or carport where possible.
• Don’t change devices like vapes, phones, and laptops under a pillow, or on the bed or couch as they can overheat and cause a fire.
• Disconnect items when fully charged.
• Never store or leave batteries or devices in areas where they can be exposed to heat or moisture.
• Don’t leave devices in direct sunlight or in parked vehicles where they can quickly heat up.
• Repairs and battery replacements should only be done by a qualified professional.

If flames or smoke starts

• Evacuate immediately and close doors to slow the spread of fire.
• Once safe, call 111.
• Don’t go back into the building for any reason as battery gases, vapour and smoke are highly toxic and flammable.
• If anyone has been exposed to battery fluids, debris, smoke, vapours, or flames, seek urgent medical assistance.

Source: Fire and Emergency NZ