It’s essential to keep in mind that accidents in the home can happen at any time and that safety should be our priority. Taking into account the different factors that can cause a fire is the only way to guarantee that we live in a safe environment. At the same time, it is crucial to know the procedures to follow if an incident like this occurs.

Last year, Fire and Emergency New Zealand ran a campaign where noses were photo-shopped out of images of a sleeping child, older woman and a baby with the words “When you sleep you lose your sense of smell”, communicating how vulnerable people are when they are asleep. 

A Puhoi family lost everything except a laptop in a fire caused by an extension cord, with one lamp attached. When they posted on social media to alert others to the risk of extension cords starting fires, they found that they were far from alone, with many others sharing similar stories.

More than 80 staff and 20 trucks attended a “large and severe” fire in Onehunga as flames erupted at Wakefield Metals and Argus Fire Protection, who specialise in fire protection intelligence systems. This example of a fire in a commercial building with industrial materials is a sharp reminder of how quickly buildings can be destroyed by fire, and how crucial it is to evacuate swiftly and safely even when alarms are correctly installed and functioning.