Surge in House Fire Deaths Linked to Alternative Heating Methods in New Zealand

New Zealand is witnessing a troubling rise in house fire fatalities, with officials attributing the increase to the use of unconventional heating methods driven by the cost-of-living crisis. Over the past 12 months, 17 people have died in house fires—more than the typical 13 annual deaths—according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Pete Gallagher, Fire and Emergency’s reduction and investigations manager, highlighted a growing concern about the use of non-traditional heating devices. 'People are resorting to using items we wouldn’t normally see in a household setting,' he said. 'Barbecues being brought inside and used as a heating device in the home' is one of the most alarming trends.

Gallagher noted that four to five fatal fires in the past year were directly linked to desperate measures to stay warm. Industrial heaters, designed for warehouses, have also been used in homes, leading to tragic outcomes. 'We still see people utilising industrial heaters in a domestic home,' he said.

The statistics are particularly concerning as house fire fatalities had been on a downward trend. 'The population has been doing a great job at reducing the number of deaths from house fires,' Gallagher said. 'But it looks to be a trend we need to get on top of.'

Financial pressures and the increasing use of electrical devices are also contributing to the rise in fire deaths. 'We’re seeing wider use of electrical devices; there are more things people plug in or turn on in their homes, and sometimes without the necessary care and attention,' Gallagher said.

With colder days approaching, Gallagher urged New Zealanders to take safety precautions. He emphasized the importance of the 'heater metre'—keeping heating devices at least a metre away from flammable materials. 'When drying clothes, they don’t need to be on top of the heater; they can be a metre away.'

Fire and Emergency also highlighted the critical role of smoke alarms. 'The importance of a smoke alarm cannot be overlooked. It’s key for that early warning, and once it activates, it’s important to have a plan to get out and stay out of the house.'

The statistics show that those aged 65 and over are at greater risk. Gallagher warned of a potential return to the high house fire death rates seen in the 1970s and 1980s. 'We don’t want to get back to the days of the 1970s and 1980s, where a large number of New Zealanders were dying in house fires.'

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households across the country, the need for increased awareness and education on fire safety has never been more urgent.