KEY POINTS:
The Fire Service is putting the heat on householders with its new fire safety campaign.
Firefighters say thousands of house fires which happen each year are preventable.
Fire Service national commander Mike Hall said eliminating hazards could save a lot of trauma.
He said more than 3500 house fires were attended last year, with the cost of damage to property estimated at $150 million.
"Our research shows that most New Zealanders think house fires are accidents but that's simply not true. If people were more aware of the risks and the times of the day when most fires occur, we could reduce the number of house fires dramatically."
Most house fires occurred between midday and midnight at times when people were cooking, coming home from work and putting the heater on or having a cigarette before going to bed. "In 2007, for example, unattended cooking caused 973 fires, and 291 fires started with people putting flammable materials too close to heaters or open fires. Each one of those fires could have been avoided," Mr Hall said.
Others were caused by people not extinguishing cigarettes and candles properly.
Mr Hall said previous campaigns focusing on the power and ferocity of fire had changed to urging people to check heaters, cooking facilities and other dangers.
The new campaign will run throughout the year featuring a series of advertisements targeting different at-risk groups.
- NZPA
