Firefighters are asking people to have an escape plan after they helped rescue an elderly person from a Tikipunga home after a fire started in their bedroom.
Whangārei station officer Peter Rowe said they received a distressed call from an elderly person shortly after 1.30am.
Two fire engines were sent to the “smoke-logged” house. Once inside, firefighters found the person in their bedroom where the fire started.
“Our fire safety message for everyone is that they need to get out of their house as quickly as possible in case of a fire. And for that people need to have a predetermined plan to evacuate their house.
He said even the little smoke from a small fire could be dangerous and potentially fatal.