School early victim as fireworks season starts

Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Fireworks might legally go on sale only today, but already firefighters have been called to a school blaze deliberately caused by them.

A small amount of damage was done to a Year 9 classroom at Cornwall Park District School in Auckland on Sunday after crackers were thrown through a window about 8.30pm.

Principal Janine Irvine said a group of teachers were working and heard the alarm. The early warning gave them time to extinguish the fire before serious damage was done.

Police and fire safety officers were at the school yesterday morning investigating and confirmed that fireworks had been found inside the classroom, which suffered mainly smoke damage.

Mrs Irvine said children were being taught in a different classroom until the damage could be assessed and the room cleaned.

The school is believed to be the first hit by arsonists this Guy Fawkes season - a time when the Fire Service says schools become prime targets.

Fire investigation and arson reduction national manager Peter Wilding says schools are entering "arson season" and should be taking steps to improve their fire safety.

Statistics show that the number of fires at schools almost doubles in the weeks around Guy Fawkes Day, which this year is on Friday.

"In general, schools are four times more likely to be targeted by fire-setters than other buildings, and sprinklers are the best way to limit the amount of fire damage.

"However, all schools can take simple, low-cost steps to improve fire safety and reduce likelihood of arson," said Mr Wilding.

He is urging school principals to make sure all rubbish and recycling bins and skips are placed well away from outside walls and secured so they cannot be moved.

Loose rubbish should also be cleared up, all combustibles safely locked away and outside bins emptied daily - especially before a weekend.

If possible, schools are also advised to install or improve their security lighting, because the largest fires occur at night.

Firefighters have been called to more than 450 arsons at schools in the past five years - an average of seven a month, which rises to 10 a month in October, November and December.

Despite government regulations restricting the sale of fireworks to a four-day period, firework retailers are gearing up for a big Guy Fawkes season.

The Fire Service says it has seen a dramatic reduction in fireworks-related callouts since the new laws were introduced in 2007.

Safety tips

* Read and follow the instructions on fireworks before using them.
* Light in a wide open area away from anything that could catch fire.
* Never point fireworks at people.
* Fireworks and alcohol/drugs are a dangerous combination.
* Always let an adult light the fireworks.
* Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy.
* Keep all unlit fireworks in their box or bag until you light them.
* Leave dud fireworks alone - trying to relight them is unsafe.
* Burns need water for 20 minutes.

Source: New Zealand Fire Service