Live on TV house burn reaches 700,000 to show the speed and danger of fire
16 August 2023
Last night, Tuesday 15 August, Fire and Emergency partnered with TVNZ’s Seven Sharp to show viewers the devastating speed of fire, live on television.
The live fire event, staged in a derelict house in Levin, reached 700,000 viewers and demonstrated how fast a house fire can become unsurvivable. It underlined how important it is to install working smoke alarms throughout the house and to have a 3-Step Escape Plan.
Last night’s controlled fire, led by an experienced firefighting team, began with a simulated faulty e-scooter’s lithium-ion battery charging in the living room – an increasingly significant fire risk in many New Zealand homes if used incorrectly.
TVNZ journalist Lucas de Jong reported on the fire’s progress from inside the house alongside professional firefighters for as long as they could safely stay, while presenter Hilary Barry observed from outside the house, alongside an audience of local residents.
National Risk Reduction and Investigations Manager Peter Gallagher explained what was happening and highlighted key safety messages:
- Lithium-ion batteries can start fires. Keep safe by using the right charger for the right device and never charge a device under or on blankets or duvets.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and the living area. Interconnected smoke alarms will give you the earliest warning possible.
- Everyone in your household should know your 3-Step Escape Plan. You need to agree your first exit, second exit and safe meeting place.
- House fires can become unsurvivable in less than three minutes, and it is unlikely a fire truck will be there within that time. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared with smoke alarms and a 3-Step Escape Plan.
Fire and Emergency’s local Community Readiness and Recovery team liaised with local schools and invited school children to watch the burn as a practical element of their Get Firewise programme. The programme gives them a chance to learn about the importance of smoke alarms and getting out of a house quickly if there’s smoke or fire.
This event has been run twice successfully in the past. All three burns have been incredibly powerful in promoting Fire and Emergency’s key fire safety messages to a significant audience and in a highly effective way. Most importantly, we know the segments have prompted people to take action to be better prepared for a housefire
The house involved in last night’s burn was earmarked for demolition and had been donated to Fire and Emergency for the live burn.
For more information on home fire safety or to create your 3-Step Escape Plan head to escapemyhouse.co.nz