Fire fatality: statement from New Zealand Fire Service

The New Zealand Fire Service says the death of a six year old girl in a house fire at Onehunga yesterday is a tragic reminder of the need to keep matches out of the hands of children.

National Manager Fire Investigation and Arson, Peter Wilding, said he was deeply sympathetic toward the family. "This is a dreadful time for them and we are grateful there were working smoke alarms installed - the early warning and the quick thinking of an older child undoubtedly saved the lives of other people in the house.

"The fire was started by a three year-old playing upstairs with matches. The fire quickly took hold and set off a smoke alarm. A ten year old ran up and dragged the toddler to safety and those in the house evacuated and called 111. It is very sad that the six year- old was unable to be rescued."

Mr Wilding said matches and lighters should always be kept out of the reach of children. "We have had a large number of incidents in the past few years where children playing with matches or lighters have been badly burned or had very narrow escapes. Some children are fascinated by fire and it is important for any parent who notices any type of fire play to contact the Fire Service. We have a very effective and successful programme that teaches children the consequences of fire and in most cases, they end the behaviour."

He said it had been over three years since a child died in a house fire in New Zealand.

ends

© Scoop Media