Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling on people to check their smoke alarms after firefighters attended two house fires in Dannevirke in just three days.

While smoke alarms woke the occupants of a house at 1am last Saturday when a chimney fire spread through the ceiling, a second house that caught fire in Dannevirke on Monday was found to have no smoke alarms, but fortunately, the occupants weren’t home at the time. 

Area Manager Ken Cooper says the first fire shows smoke alarms can save lives and volunteer firefighters were able to respond quickly to the call out.

“The early warning from smoke alarms allows you vital minutes to get out and give you and your family the best chance of survival. We know house fires can be deadly within three minutes so it’s important to get out as quickly as possible.”

He urged people to install smoke alarms if they didn't have any already. “Make sure you have enough smoke alarms installed on the ceiling in your home. We recommend at least one in every bedroom, hallway and living area.”

As well as personal responsibility, FENZ recognises that some groups in the community don't have the same access to smoke alarms as others. 

Cooper says they are prepared to come and assist people with a fire safety check. This is where a fire crew checks a property, gives advice and installs one smoke alarm. 

"We try to stress that this is for families that perhaps can't afford it or need advice." 

It is also important not to assume your smoke alarms are working. "Make sure you check them once a month. It’s as simple as pressing the button and listening for a beep.”

Cooper says you can’t always predict a fire but you can be prepared in case it does happen. 

"Make sure you and your household have an escape plan so in an emergency you can get out to safety quickly. Go to www.escapemyhouse.co.nz to make an escape plan that could save you and your family’s lives.”

Find more tips on how to keep fire safe this winter at https://fireandemergency.nz/at-home/winter-fire-safety/

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