Reminder of hot-ash danger after deck catches alight

Fire fighters are warning people to dispose of hot ash properly after a deck set fire.

The Rotorua Fire Brigade is reminding residents to be vigilant when disposing of fireplace ash, after a deck caught fire.

Two fire crews were called to the deck fire in Pukehangi yesterday, shortly before 8am.

Rotorua Fire Service station officer Geoff Carter said the fire was started by a pile of ashes disposed of in a cardboard box.

"It is important for people to remind themselves that ashes can take several days to cool down and if they are not disposed of properly, they do pose a serious fire hazard," Mr Carter said.

The incident was a timely reminder to people to keep their wits about them when getting rid of their fireplace ash, he said.

Last month, the Kawerau Fire Brigade was called to a house fire also caused by poorly disposed hot ashes.

Mr Carter said residents needed to "jog their memories each winter when it comes to dealing with fire hazards".

"Ash should always be put in a metal container and given time to cool before disposing."