HOUSE REMAINS: Insurance inspectors at the Pohutukawa Dr home which was completely damaged by a fire. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 180714BF3
HOUSE REMAINS: Insurance inspectors at the Pohutukawa Dr home which was completely damaged by a fire. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 180714BF3
An infant waking up helped a Rotorua family escape a house fire which claimed all their possessions.
A fire broke out in a Pohutukawa Dr home early Wednesday morning. The occupants, one woman and three children, were uninjured. Community groups and whanau have rallied to help the family.
Rotorua firesafety investigator Stuart Booten said the mother was woken by her baby, noticed a flicker in the hallway and went to investigate.
"It was good luck rather than good management that no one was injured," Mr Booten said.
"Unfortunately, there were no working smoke alarms, we strongly recommend anyone who doesn't have them, to get them installed."
"It [the fire] started in one of the bedrooms by an electrical failure.
"We believe a multi-plug had been knocked out slightly from its outlet and [electricity] had been arcing across. With electricity, if you don't have contact you could get arcing, if things are not pushed in properly it can cause heating.
"It [the house] won't be liveable. I say it was 50 per cent flame damaged and 100 per cent smoke damaged," he said.
"It's important to make sure anything around or over wiring is kept clear so plugs can't be knocked out. No furniture over the top or over mats and if an appliance doesn't work, discard it so it's not tempting for anyone else to use.
"This family is very lucky. We're encouraging people to have a smoke alarm and an escape plan."
He said anyone wishing to have their home checked by the fire service could call 0800 NZ FIRE (693 473). "We can check for safety within the home and some people may be eligible for a free longlife smoke alarm."
