Passerby saves man from fire

An overheated multi-plug was the cause of a Rotorua house fire on Saturday night.

The actions of a passerby who dragged a man from the burning building just before 8pm were praised by the Fire Service. The rescued man was taken to hospital reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation, and has since been discharged.

Fire safety officers returned to the scene yesterday to resume their investigation.

"A number of appliances had been plugged into a multi-plug, which caused it to heat up and catch fire," fire safety officer Stuart Bootten said.

"The house is absolutely gutted."

Cameron Hughes, 23, told Radio New Zealand that when he saw there was someone inside the burning house he kicked the door down and dragged the man to safety.