Key Takeaways
- A house fire in Welcome Bay left a mother and son without a home and struggling to recover
- The cause of the fire is still undetermined, but it is believed to have spread quickly
- A Givealittle page has been set up to help the family raise funds for clothing and essentials
- The community has come together to offer support, with over $700 donated in the first 24 hours
- Fire safety is crucial, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand has a checklist to help homeowners ensure their homes are fire-safe
Introduction to the House Fire
A devastating house fire in Welcome Bay has left a mother and son without a home, just days before Christmas. The fire, which is believed to have started in the early morning, spread quickly, leaving the single-storey home with extensive damage. The fire was so intense that it could be seen from across the road, with one neighbor, Charles Harrison, describing the scene as "well ablaze" by the time emergency services arrived. Harrison’s wife was the first to notice the fire, seeing smoke coming out from under the house and immediately dialing 111.
The Aftermath of the Fire
The aftermath of the fire has been traumatic for the family, who have lost everything. The house, which was home to a mother and son, was left with significant damage, including smashed windows and debris scattered inside and outside. The scent of smoke and burnt materials was still heavy in the air when NZME visited the street on Tuesday morning. Temporary fencing had been erected around the home, and the family’s belongings were piled up on top of ashes. The family’s two cats, which were initially missing, were found safe and sound on Tuesday morning.
Personal Experience of the Neighbors
The neighbors, Charles Harrison and his wife, know firsthand what it’s like to lose everything in a house fire. Nine years ago, their Bethlehem home was "gutted" by a fire after a power multiboard sparked out. The couple lost everything and had to live in motels for nearly four months. This experience has driven Harrison to set up a Givealittle page to help their Welcome Bay neighbors. "The thing is, we know insurance doesn’t cover everything, not by a long way," he said. The neighborhood has been incredibly supportive, with many offering prayers and love to the affected family.
The Investigation into the Fire
The cause of the fire is still undetermined, with Bay of Plenty registered fire investigator Jon Rewi saying that the incident is still being investigated. Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern fire communications shift manager Lauren Sika said that the fire was "very well involved" when crews arrived, and all persons were accounted for. The fire has highlighted the importance of fire safety, with Fire and Emergency New Zealand having a checklist to help homeowners ensure their homes are fire-safe.
Fire Safety Checklist
The fire safety checklist, which is available on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website, provides tips on how to ensure your home is fire-safe. The checklist includes checking the stovetop and rangehood filters in the kitchen, ensuring that smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, living area, and hallway, and storing matches, lighters, or other fire-starting tools out of reach of children. The checklist also includes tips on how to ensure your home’s electrical appliances are safe, including not overloading powerpoints or multiboards with appliances that use a lot of power. Additionally, the checklist provides tips on how to ensure your home’s outdoor areas are fire-safe, including ensuring that barbecue fittings are tight and secure, and storing flammable liquids in sheds or garages in appropriate containers.
Conclusion and Support for the Family
The house fire in Welcome Bay has been a devastating reminder of the importance of fire safety. The community has come together to offer support to the affected family, with over $700 donated to the Givealittle page in the first 24 hours. The page, which was set up by Charles Harrison, aims to raise funds to help the family buy clothing and essentials, such as personal hygiene products, to help them in the short term. As the family struggles to come to terms with their loss, the community’s support will be crucial in helping them recover. To donate to the Givealittle page, visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/fire-aid.