NZ Fire Service: Marae Fires Cause Concern

The New Zealand Fire Service is again urging marae throughout the country to install automatic fire systems to reduce the incidence and consequence of fire after two recent marae fires in the North Island.

Over the past week two serious fires have devastated marae in isolated areas near Kawhia and Horeke. The National Maori Adviser to the New Zealand Fire Service, Piki Thomas, believes that automatic systems providing early warning or fire suppression would have significantly reduced the impacts that these fires caused. Mr Thomas goes on to say that due to the isolated location of most marae, early detection and warning of fires in marae is critical to provide a quick response to deal with the incident.

On average six marae fires occur every year. The New Zealand Fire
Service recommends that marae install smoke detection systems to provide early warning of fire, sprinklers to control the spread of fire and develop an evacuation plan to manage the effective escape of the buildings. The fire service is keen to discuss marae fire safety with any marae throughout the country and can those interested contact their local fire station for this information.

ENDS

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