The fire was burning for at least 10 minutes in the ceiling space before it set off a smoke detector in the kitchen. Photo / NZ Fire and Emergency
A firework thrown on to the roof of a house caused major damage and could have claimed lives.
Fire investigator Bruce Irvine is furious about what happened and says it is now time for a public debate over fireworks.
The fire started in the guttering of the Becmead Drive, Harewood, Christchurch property about 10.30pm on Saturday, November 11, and spread into the wall space.
The family had just gone to bed and were still awake, said Mr Irvine.
About 10min later, the kitchen smoke alarm activated and the family got out of bed. The fire was well involved and had been spread by a ventilation system in the roof space, he said.
The father went to the bathroom and burnt his feet on debris that had fallen through the ceiling, he said.
Detectives are investigating.
Irvine said the fire was so reckless that if someone had died, he would have expected a murder charge to be laid.
"This family's lives have been destroyed for the next six months because of someone's thoughtless and idiotic act. It has to stop.
"It was a deliberate act that could have led to a death."
Irvine said it was timely to now start the debate on fireworks.
"We want to start the conversation right here, right now. There have been far too many incidents. And we know it is going to happen, that is the frustrating thing about it. These fires are avoidable."
He said he wants the public to start the discussion about whether fireworks should be available for general sale or should be limited to organised events only.
"Any feedback we get on this from the public will be helpful. That way we can make a strong case for getting rid of them."
He said it was not just the fire, although they were "extremely frustrating", but the distress caused to animals and surrounding residents with the constant firework use well after the date they are supposed to be set off.
"They are supposed to be used for a celebration on November 5, a safe time to use them. Not weeks and weeks after when everything is drying out."
Two helicopters and five fire engines are battling the blaze.