Fire strikes when least expected...

Press, 27 April 1989, Page 35

Fire strikes when least expected...

Fire affects the homes and lives of thousands of New Zealanders. It strikes at random, when least expected, and in most cases is entirely due to

human carelessness or misunderstanding. Every household in New Zealand can expect to be affected by fire. Though you may be in-

sured against fire, there are many items which cannot be replaced — your family’s lives, your photographs, your personal papers and those

little “bits and pieces” that you and your family have collected over the years. To assist you in reducing the possibility of suffering emotional and monetary loss that fire can bring, be aware of the danger and plan in advance. The causes of fire come back to the human element but there are basic precautions that can be taken. Some useful hints are:— • Remove all accumulations of rubbish and unwanted materials at regular intervals. • Make regular checks of all electrical appliances, cords, fuses and how these appliances are being used. • Position heating devices in safe positions

— away from curtains, furniture, clothing and draughts. • Install a home smoke alarm to give • early warning of a fire outbreak. • Install a suitable fire extinguisher in your home. Joe Hefford, senior station officer at the New Zealand Fire Service, said that people are the biggest single cause of fires. “The disposal of household ashes is one of the most common causes of fires. People will clean out their fireplaces and put the ashes in the back porch or wash house or in rubbish bags. “These ashes will retain their heat for a long time. The best advice is to put them in a metall container away from the house or other buildings.

“Especially with modern burners, the amount of ash can be great and when this is all bundled together it can be many, many hours before the heat in the centre of the ash pile dissipates. “Another major problem is placing fuel for the fire too close to the heat source. Incidents have occurred when coal in a plastic bucket alongside the fire has ignited because of the heat radiated from the fireplace,” he said. The sensible placing of fuel does not only apply to inside. Large amounts of timber stored under the house or against a wall under the eaves during the summer to dry can be a major hazard. Joe Hefford said that time should always be taken to teach children how to make a fire under

supervision rather than experiment on their own. “This dispels the mystique of fire and outlines to them the seriousness of fire. Hopefully it dispels the wish they may have to light a fire unbeknown to their parents. “In finding a fire, raise the alarm and let everyone know. Call the brigade or instruct someone to do so. This can be done by phoning 111. “When speaking to the fire service give your street, number and the nearest cross street. “It is important to give the town or city you are in as the control room may be responsible for more than one town or city. Just saying High Street is not enough. There is a High Street in most towns and cities in New Zealand,” he said.