Fire destroys home
Two Northland homeowners are devastated after fires destroyed their homes.
Six fire crews from Kerikeri and surrounds fought a blaze that gutted a rural home on Kirikiri Lane, off Sandys Rd on the outskirts of Kerikeri, on Saturday morning.
Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Colin Underdown said the house was “well involved” when fire crews arrived about at 10.40am.
Four fire engines, a tanker and a rural unit took about 90 minutes to put out the fire.
The owner of the house said he had gone to the neighbours and came back to find his house on fire.
He was too upset to speak to the Northern Advocate, but specialist fire investigator Jason Goffin, who was trying to establish the cause of the fire, said the owner is “devastated”. “He’s lost everything.” Goffin is also investigating a house fire on Price Rd in Springfield, near Ruaka¯ka¯, which happened at 8.15pm on Friday.
The family evacuated after being alerted by smoke alarms.
That house was “totally involved”, Goffin said, and crews from Portland, Ruaka¯ ka¯ , Maungakaramea and Whanga¯ rei attended. “They are relieved that their smoke alarms worked and they got out safely.”
No one was hurt in either fire, and both homes were insured, Goffin said.
Neither fire is being treated as suspicious.
Goffin reminded residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working correctly, and ensure chimneys and flues are cleaned once a year.
Electric blankets should be turned off before going to sleep and household items including clothing should be kept well clear of heaters, he said.