Rotorua Teen's Quick Thinking Prevents House Fire

By Annabel Reid

A Rotorua teenager has been hailed as a local hero after his quick actions prevented what could have been a devastating house fire. Cody Barrett, a 17-year-old student at Western Heights High School, was driving home from school last week when he noticed smoke rising from a rubbish bin on Alison Street. Concerned about the potential danger, he pulled over and approached the property to investigate.

Instinct Takes Over
Cody told the Rotorua Daily Post that he thought to himself, "That could be pretty costly for the family that lives there." He spotted a young teenager at the house, who was the only person home at the time, along with the family dog. "He was really scared," Cody said. "It’s just not expected for a teenager to face that alone, but he did well."

The boy managed to grab the hose and begin putting out the flames. A neighbor soon joined in, taking over the extinguishing efforts and calling emergency services. By the time fire crews arrived, the fire had been contained, though the house was checked to ensure no embers remained.

"Firefighter Cody"
Cody, who called himself "just a normal teenager," said he was "really grateful" he was there but felt he "didn’t do much." However, the community has been quick to praise him. Social media posts have highlighted the damage to the bin and scorch marks on the house, while the family has personally thanked Cody for his bravery.

Fire Safety Remains a Priority
A spokesperson from Fire and Emergency New Zealand emphasized the importance of early fire detection and preparedness. They noted that the past 12 months had been the worst in a decade for avoidable house fires, resulting in 17 fatalities nationwide. They reminded residents that it takes only three minutes for a house fire to become "unsurvivable" and urged households to have working smoke alarms, escape plans, and regular fire drills.

Winter Fire Safety Tips
As winter approaches, Fire and Emergency recommended several precautions, including ensuring fireplace ashes are completely cooled before disposal, keeping flammable materials away from heaters, and emptying dryer lint filters before each use. These simple steps can help prevent fires and protect families.

Cody’s actions serve as a powerful reminder that quick thinking and community spirit can make all the difference in moments of crisis. As he put it, "Anyone driving past would’ve done the same thing." But in this case, it was Cody who arrived just in time.