LPG heater safety under fire

LPG heaters have been criticised during a coroner's inquest into the death of an elderly woman in Alexandra.

Ethel Watt, 86, died from shock and asphyxia after her pyjamas and dressing gown were set alight by her heater on June 18 last year.

A serviceman working at Ms Watt's home heard her cry out and came into the kitchen to find her clothing completely ablaze.

The inquest was shown a video of a fire investigation officer starting the heater responsible, the Otago Daily Times reported.

Set to its lowest level, the heater failed to ignite from the first spark, but on the second attempt a large blue flame rolled up the grill.

Coroner David Crerar said it made for "compelling viewing".

He said there had been four similar deaths over the past eight years and referred to an article by Consumer magazine which called for the heaters to be banned due to their use of an exposed flame.

"I am bound to observe the inherent lack of safety of these devices," Mr Crerar said.

"I'll send a copy (of my findings) to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. It's not just children, we need to protect everyone, particularly our elderly."

- NZPA