Fatal fire after alarm in wrong place

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A Bay of Plenty man died early today, possibly because a smoke alarm in his home was in the wrong place, says a fire safety officer.

Firefighters worked frantically but unsuccessfully to save the man after being called to the blazing Whakatane house shortly after 1am.

He was pulled clear but was unable to be revived, said Megan Ruru from the Fire Service's northern communication centre.

Fire safety officer John Rewi said that the only smoke alarm in the house was on a wall in the hallway and while it was working may not have given him enough time to get out of the burning house.

He said if the alarm had been on the ceiling it may have given him a few precious seconds to get out.

"We recommend they go on the ceilings. It is the highest point. That is where the smoke goes first."

Mr Rewi said it was believed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault and a number of appliances recovered from the house had been sent away for testing.

Whakatane police said the man's name would not be released until tomorrow to allow family and friends to be told of his death.

He was believed to be the sole occupant of the house.

- NZPA