Fatal fire likely to have started from stove

A house fire in Foxton which claimed the lives of a woman and toddler early yesterday was likely to have been the result of a stove top fire, police say.

The 2.15am blaze, about 40km southwest of Palmerston North, claimed the lives of Atarina Emma Robinson, 22, from Waiouru, and three-year-old Lesharn Kiri-Leigh Taitoko.

Lesharn lived at the Hulke St house with her 24-year-old mother, who was pulled to safety and survived the blaze.

Firefighters carried the two victims from the front room of the house, but were unable to revive them.

Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said today the examination of the house was complete and investigators were satisfied it was not suspicious.

"The fire appears to have started in the kitchen dining area and at this stage the most likely cause is unattended cooking on the stove top," she said.

Neighbours were alerted to the blaze by screams coming from the property and Lesharn had reportedly called for her mother, complaining of a sore chest, shortly before her death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Marc Hercock said Ms Robinson had been visiting the family and was staying overnight.

A Fire Service spokesman said the house was equipped with smoke alarms but only one appeared to have been working.

- NZPA