Fire and Emergency (FENZ) has raised concerns about the increasing complacency of New Zealanders in terms of fire safety at home.
According to FENZ, the number of fatal house fires rose to 17 in the year ending June 2025, up from 13 in the previous 12 months. Since July last year, there have been at least eight fatal house fires.
Pete Gallagher, FENZ’s risk reduction and investigations manager, noted a worrying trend of devastating fires starting in the kitchen.
“We saw a decline in this a few years ago and now it’s starting to rise back up again. And that’s a real concern because pretty much everyone’s involved in the cooking process at some time in their life. It’s really important that they understand the high-risk nature of cooking and the dangers it can pose,” Gallagher emphasized.
FENZ highlighted that individuals over 65 were at a higher risk due to potentially slower reactions to emergencies. Gallagher stressed the importance of having smoke alarms for early warnings in case of fire.
While the reasons for the increase in cooking-related fires are not definitive, Gallagher suggested a sense of complacency might be a contributing factor.
As the summer months approach, FENZ reminded people to be cautious when cooking outside, especially with barbecues, which can pose significant fire hazards. Proper safety measures include keeping the barbecue away from the house and ensuring proper ventilation.
Additionally, FENZ advised checking the Check It’s Alright website before cooking on a campfire and being mindful of weather conditions that could exacerbate fire risks.
Gallagher also highlighted the dangers of fires caused by lithium-powered batteries, citing a significant increase in incidents over the years. He advised against exposing devices like cellphones and laptops to excessive heat during the summer, as it could lead to rapid fire development.
Overall, FENZ urged the public to prioritize fire safety measures and remain vigilant, especially during the summer season when the risk of fires is heightened.
