Fire investigator reveals cause of shed fire in Rangitīkei

A fire investigator says people need to be wary when discarding embers as they can retain heat for a long time. Photo / NZME

A fire investigator has revealed a shed fire in Marton was caused by discarded embers.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said fire crews were called to the fire on Thursday at 2.34pm.

“We ended up with three fire appliances at that one.

“The shed was well-involved with fire.”

Crews from Marton Volunteer Fire Brigade and Whanganui Fire Brigade attended the fire at a Tutaenui Rd property.

Specialist fire investigator Anna Gordon said a shed at the back of the property was “well ablaze”.

“They have lost the entire contents of their shed but their house is undamaged.”

An investigation found that embers removed from a fireplace and left outside had ignited as the wind changed direction, setting the shed alight.

Gordon recommended that embers be placed in a metal container or bucket, which should then be filled with water.

She said embers should be left in the bucket and clear of any buildings for two to three days as they could “hold their heat for a long period of time”.

She said many fires seen by fire services were caused by loose embers or embers not being properly disposed of.

“I think what surprises people is how hot their ashes will stay for such a prolonged period of time.”

It could take days for ashes to properly cool off, she said.

Working smoke alarms were also an important tool for fire prevention.

Eva de Jong is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news. She began as a reporter in 2023.