Older people at greater risk of winter house fires, FENZ warns

More than half of the fatalities in house fires in the last five years were people over 60, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

FENZ acting deputy chief executive Nick Pyatt says the harm happening to older people from housefires is far too high, and all New Zealanders could do much more to protect them.

“Fifty-five percent of house fire deaths in the last five years were people over 60,” he says.

“Every one of these tragedies was preventable.

FENZ is asking people to ensure whānau, friends and neighbours are heating their houses safely, have working smoke alarms, can – and know how to – get out of their houses safely in a fire.

“That way, we can prevent further tragedies from happening this winter”, Pyatt says.

“It’s a particularly risky time for older people right now, as every winter brings a spike in the number of house fires caused by heaters, chimneys, hot ashes, electric blankets, and dryers.

He says they see at least 50 percent more of these fires in May, June and July compared with the rest of the year.

One of FENZ’s priorities is to educate New Zealanders about how they can help prevent fires from happening.

“But we can’t do this alone – it’s an all-of-community responsibility,” Pyatt says.

“That includes urging people to check their own fire safety and then check in on their older family, friends, and neighbours, too.”

Things to check:

• Do they have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway, or can you give them a hand to install them if they don’t?
• Do they have at least two escape routes out of their house?
• Are clothes or furniture too close to the heater, or are there dangerous heaters or appliances in the home?

“This is on all of us.”

To make sure you’ve checked all the fire risks in your or someone else’s home, use FENZ’s online checklist: www.fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety/sort-your-home-fire-safety.