Hot ashes blamed for Masterton blaze

A blaze that erupted at a Masterton home soon after 8pm on Saturday was deemed an accident after a bucket of ashes was discovered on a nearby deck.

A Masterton blaze investigated by firefighters and police has been classed as an accident.

Police said the fire, which broke out at the Cornwall St home soon after 8pm on Saturday, had been investigated by the fire safety officer, but was classed as an accident after a bucket of ashes was discovered on the deck.

Masterton Fire Service station officer Kevin Smith said two fire crews had helped fight the blaze, which was "free burning" when firefighters arrived.

The fire involved about a quarter of an exterior wall on the eastern side of the home, and a nearby deck built on to the house.

Firefighters doused the blaze within five minutes and at first the fire was treated as suspicious and police cordoned the area.

Mr Smith said a police detective and New Zealand Fire Service investigator Stuart Law had examined the fire scene to establish a cause.

Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said concerns the fire was suspicious dropped off almost immediately once the fire was out.

"It's effectively something that's more than likely caused by an accident which was more than likely hot ashes being left in a bucket."

Mr Bysouth commended the quick action of neighbours who had alerted emergency services.

"There was very good reporting by neighbours who called 111 immediately and their actions saved the house from burning down."

As well as calling firefighters, some neighbours made efforts to put the fire out with a hose, while another neighbour knocked on the door to check whether anyone was home.