Key Takeaways
- An uninsured container home in East Otago was destroyed by a fire that started due to an overcharged battery.
- The fire spread to a neighboring 25ha forestry block, causing significant damage and destruction.
- The homeowner, Kevin Lott, has lost all his possessions, including irreplaceable family heirlooms and photos.
- The Palmerston community has rallied around Mr. Lott, donating items and setting up a Givealittle page to help him recover.
- Mr. Lott is unsure if he will be able to rebuild his home due to financial constraints.
Introduction to the Incident
An East Otago man, Kevin Lott, has been left devastated after his uninsured container home was destroyed by a fire that started in his off-the-grid residence in Goodwood. The fire, which occurred on a hot and blustery day, spread rapidly to a neighboring 25ha forestry block, causing significant damage and destruction. Mr. Lott’s home, which was made from two 40-foot shipping containers, was completely destroyed, leaving him with nothing but the clothes he was wearing.
The Cause of the Fire
According to Mr. Lott, the fire started when a battery in his house overcharged and blew up, producing too much hydrogen and causing a massive explosion. The flames quickly spread to the rest of the house, which was insulated with polystyrene, a material that is highly flammable. The use of polystyrene insulation made the fire spread rapidly, and soon the entire house was engulfed in flames. Mr. Lott stated that the fire "went crazy" due to the insulation, and he was unable to salvage any of his belongings.
The Destruction and Aftermath
The fire destroyed not only Mr. Lott’s home but also a significant portion of the neighboring forestry block. The flames spread quickly, fueled by the strong winds, and it took the efforts of four helicopters and eight Fire and Emergency New Zealand trucks to bring the fire under control. Mr. Lott, who was on the property with his dog at the time of the blaze, was lucky to escape unharmed. However, he has lost all his possessions, including a bible from 1908 given to him by his grandmother, family photos dating back to the 1800s, and a pair of $250 boots that were completely melted.
The Emotional Toll
The loss of his home and belongings has been devastating for Mr. Lott, who feels like he has been "set back 30 years." He is unsure if he will be able to rebuild his home, as he has no insurance and limited financial resources. Mr. Lott is currently living in a small house-bus on his land, but he is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his home and possessions. The emotional toll of the fire has been significant, and Mr. Lott is still trying to process the events of that day.
Community Support
Despite the challenges he is facing, Mr. Lott has been heartened by the support of the Palmerston community. Neighbors and friends have rallied around him, donating items and setting up a Givealittle page to help him get back on his feet. The community’s response has been overwhelming, and Mr. Lott is grateful for their kindness and generosity. The support of the community has given him hope and motivation to rebuild his life, even if it’s not in the same way as before.
The Future Ahead
As Mr. Lott looks to the future, he is unsure of what lies ahead. He is still trying to come to terms with the loss of his home and possessions, and he is struggling to find the motivation to rebuild. However, with the support of the community and his own resilience, he is determined to move forward and rebuild his life. The fire may have destroyed his home, but it has not destroyed his spirit, and Mr. Lott is hopeful that he will be able to rebuild and start anew.
