Smoke alarm alerts occupant to house fire in Maraenui
Working smoke alarms enabled the occupant of a house fire to escape and call for help, firefighters say.
Emergency services were called to the fire in Maraenui just after 2pm this afternoon. Two crews from Napier and a crew from Hastings attended and put out the fire quickly.
Hawke's Bay Assistant Commander Bruce Botherway says smoke alarms alerted the occupant who was in a different room to the fire.
"They've managed to get out and then call for 111. It just shows you that fire travels extremely fast and it can be deadly."
He says this is an example of why smoke alarms are essential for the early warning of fire.
"It is important to make sure you have smoke alarms in every bedroom and living room."
While the fire is not believed to be suspicious, police also attended.
A recovery and fire and investigations team are onsite.
