Two treated after fire in garage

Two people were treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation after a fire in a Hastings garage.

Two fire trucks from Hastings were called to put out the fire on Sussex St, Mayfair, about 12.30pm on Friday.

St John ambulance attended and treated the pair.

A fire communications spokesperson said the fire was small and was extinguished quickly.

The occupant of the house, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was “shaken up” after the incident.

She said the fire was started accidentally with a cigarette lighter.

It’s the second house fire Hawke’s Bay fire crews have attended this week.

Emergency services were called to a property on Cumberland Rise at about 3pm on Wednesday.

“The fire caused significant damage to the living area and initial inquiries indicated it may be suspicious,” a police spokesperson said.

The investigation is ongoing and police would not comment further.

NZ Fire Service Hawke’s Bay area commander Ken Cooper said smoke alarms installed in the house alerted the occupants and they escaped safely.

“It’s a timely reminder that smoke alarms really do save lives; we can’t emphasise how important it is for people to have working smoke alarms.”