Fire drill a life-saver, say home owners

Press, 19 June 1986, Page 8

Fire drill a life-saver, say home owners

PA Auckland A fire drill 18 hours earlier may have prevented further injury or even loss of life when the Edgewater Rest Home at Pakuranga caught fire early yesterday, say the rest home’s owners. “It was lucky,” said Mrs Julia Harding. “We had discussed the fire procedure earlier in the day and had a drill.’’ Her husband, Mr Peter Harding, said they had checked the fire alarms and approached the Manukau City Council to ensure their safety standards were up to scratch for their approaching annual Health Department inspection. “It could have been worse, he said.” One man is in a serious condition at Middlemore

Hospital with severe burns. Two others — one with lesser burns and one who Inhaled smoke — have also been admitted.

The night nurse and matron on duty moved the 17 old people from the home in freezing conditions about 4 a.m.

They were moved to the rest home’s day room nearby where they were kept warm with heaters and blankets. The matron flagged down a passing police car and fire-fighters arrived at 4.15 a.m. The blaze was out by 5 a.m., but firesafety officers are still Investigating. The Edgewater Rest Home, is licensed for 19 occupants and has been in business for 17 years — the Hardings have owned it for eight.