A potentially devastating fire was avoided at a Berriedale home this morning after a couch positioned close to a wood heater ignited.
Firefighters were called to the property on Main Road just after 11am on Monday.
Station Officer Stuart Peel said only some damage was caused to flooring, a coffee table and the couch.
“The occupants had opened the door of the wood heater to stoke the fire and the radiant heat caused the material of the couch to melt and catch alight,” he said.
“Two residents who were home at the time managed to douse the fire with water before evacuating and were thankfully not injured.”
Acting Director of Community Fire Safety Chris Collins said radiant heat from wood, gas and electric heaters is a leading cause of house fires, especially during winter.
“We advise people to ensure any flammable material, including furniture and clothing, is at least two metres from heaters,” he said.
“Every winter we see a large rise in the number of fires, mostly due to the increased use of heating equipment and extra cooking.”
“Now is the time for households to be taking a proactive approach to home fire safety, to protect the whole family.”
