Marton house fire opens door for community education

On 4 July, a faulty multiplug ignited a house fire in Marton, in the Manawatū-Whanganui district. Luckily the house was a stone’s throw from the Marton fire station and help arrived in record time.

A total of five fire crews, including those from Marton and Bulls, and a support crew from Whanganui, attended the scene.

The occupants, Mike and Sarah, were standing outside their single storey home completely alight, frightened but unhurt.

Anna Gordon, Senior Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery, says the brigade, some of whom knew the homeowners, were ‘gutted by the outcome’.

‘You can see yourself in this situation – family going about normal life, suddenly standing on the footpath watching their house on fire’.

Anna attended the fire investigation the next day and spotted an opportunity to use the house for an Open Home, an event to show to the community the aftermath of a genuine house fire. Open Home events help develop an understanding of the devastating impact these fires can have, and show the importance of being prepared.

‘This was a “once in a career” opportunity – an Open Home next to a fire station,’ adds Justin Storey, Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery.

With Mike and Sarah’s consent, the district team worked with AA Insurance and the crews to get the house ready for public viewing, running the Open Home alongside their planned Open Day, held at the Marton Station to help recruit new members. They put the word out through posters, flyers, social media and invites to local kura (schools).

The key fire safety messages on the day included multiboard safety, the importance of having working smoke alarms, and making sure to have a 3-Step Escape Plan and safe meeting places. One local kura has since requested to participate in the Get Firewise programme, something it hasn’t been part of previously, and another opportunity to continue this education from this event.

Approximately 500 people went through the home on the day, roughly 10% of Marton’s population.

While this was an unmissable opportunity to educate our community, Justin says ‘looking after the affected whānau was paramount’.

‘One of our Firefighters, Ben, talked to Mike and was able to explain what we’re trying to achieve and what this would do for the community. He knew where they [Mike and Sarah] were at and was able to put it across in a positive light’, says Anna.

‘We want to make sure they’re OK. The brigade will help move them back in when they’re ready. We’ll put up interconnected smoke alarms. We’ll look after them.’

Anna stresses the importance of following the Open Home process developed to support our people who wish to run an Open Home event.

‘We followed it to the letter – the process and procedures made sure we had hit all the right milestones at the right times to make this Open Home the success it was’.

Ngā mihi nui | thank you, Mike and Sarah, for allowing us to hold an Open Home at your property. Your support to help educate our community about fire safety is greatly appreciated.

To find out more about how to run an Open Home in your area, visit the Portal.