Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Smoke alarms save lives

Smoke alarms save lives

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to ensure they and their family and friends have working smoke alarms following the death of a 68-year-old male in a house fire in Mangere Bridge on Sunday 10 June.

The house in Mangere Bridge did not appear to have a working smoke alarm.

The alarm was raised by neighbours. Fire-fighters were on the scene within 6 minutes. By this time the house was fully involved in fire.

Geoff Purcell, Area Manager, Counties-Manukau, said: "Smoke alarms are a key first step. Without one many people will not be able to get out of their home should there be a fire. They will be overcome by smoke. It’s a silent killer. Many people don’t realise how quickly a house fire can take hold."

Others steps such as having an escape route, smoke alarms in all bedrooms and keeping everything at least a metre away from heaters are also very important.

ENDS