Editorial: Simple fix for surge in call-outs

Anna Wallis

Fires are devastating, and capable of wiping out whole households and memories. THE number of house fires in Whanganui and district is large, even for this time of the year. But it's not for the reasons we may think.

Usually at this time of the year it's hot ashes, chimneys catching alight or other causes associated with open fires such as sparks and embers.

However, in a front-page story in yesterday's Chronicle Bernie Rush said there was a range of reasons for the spate of call-outs but not what could be expected in winter.

Fires are devastating, and capable of wiping out whole households and memories, let alone taking a life.

Waitotara resident Dave Toohill testified to the destruction when his home of 17 years burned down on Friday. Neighbours had thoughtfully and swiftly removed a boat and trailer but the Toohills, who had been married for 57 years, lost everything else.

The community will rally round, and fortunately no one was in the house at the time.

Mr Rush had some other useful tips to prevent blazes, such as not plugging a heater into a multi-plug or circuit board, but always directly into a wall socket.

But it's also the right time for Mr Rush to again implore people to install smoke alarms, and throughout the house. Every bedroom should have one.

The Fire Service attends more than 3500 house fires each year. In 80 per cent of fatal fires smoke alarms are either not installed or not working.

Fire fatalities often happen at night when people are sleeping and don't smell the smoke. If you are annoyed at the smoke alarm going off when you burn the toast, imagine how effective it will be in the bedroom to get you and your family out.