Alert neighbours and working smoke alarms have saved another Whanganui house from major fire damage.
Two neighbours rang Fire and Emergency to report smoke alarms sounding at a Harper St house about 3.20pm yesterday when the occupants were out.
"It was caused by a pot on the stove and there was minimal damage," senior station officer Shane Dudley said.
"It's a reminder not to leave cooking unattended but it can also be accidental - you can knock a switch and turn on the element.
"It's also a good reminder of the value of working smoke alarms. We've had a few calls in the last couple of weeks where neighbours have heard smoke alarms and called us. The people who live here are thrilled neighbours heard them."