Hamilton Police seek public's help after home badly damaged by fireworks

enlargeThe offending firework at the scene of last night's fire
The offending firework at the scene of last night's fireA group of youths allegedly lit this firework next to an elderly woman's home, causing a roof fireAn empty bottle of wine found at the scene
Thursday, 6 November 2014 - 8:15am
Waikato
Hamilton Police investigating an overnight house fire believed to have been started by fireworks are appealing for those involved to come forward or anyone with information on the identities of those involved, to contact Police.

Shift Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Dale Smith, said emergency services were called to a Paterson St address in Dinsdale shortly after 10pm.

"On our arrival officers were briefed by attending fire-fighters that a fire had started from the home's guttering and had burnt up into the roof cavity, charring the trusses and melting a water pipe in the roof space which has burst and filled the roof with water causing extensive water damage.

"Recovered at the scene was a large, spent firework and it appears the item had been lit, launched into the air and come to land in the guttering of the house."
Mr Smith said though no-one saw the actual incident local residents reported a group of males and females, aged 8-17-years-old letting off fireworks in the neighbourhood shortly before the fire.

"A group of similar age then raised the alarm at a nearby Burrows Pl address and banged on the doors and windows to wake up the elderly woman who was home alone in the house that was on fire.

"Of further concern to us was the discovery of an empty wine bottle next to the spent firework indicating alcohol may have played a factor in some of the decision making around where to set the device off."

While acknowledging the serious nature of what had occurred Mr Smith did acknowledge the actions of those involved in raising the alarm.

"We need to speak to those involved and the matter is being treated as suspicious. We would like those involved in last night's incident to come forward and ask that anyone who has any information on the incident contacts Detective Sergeant Nick O'Brien or Senior Constable Steven Wilson of the Hamilton CIB on 07 858 6200."

Meanwhile the NZ Fire Service is asking people to use fireworks responsibly.

Waikato Fire Commander, Roy Breeze, said on average, fire-fighters attend one to two house fires every Guy Fawkes in which fireworks cause roof fires.

"Understandably this can cause a lot of upset to the home occupants not to mention serious damage to buildings. Fireworks can also cause upset to animals which was highlighted with the death of a horse on a road after it was spooked on Saturday night at Ohaupo.

"The Fire Service urges people to use fireworks responsibly and follow the instructions on the devices and their packaging. A key safety step is to avoid using fireworks around built up areas, allow yourself plenty of room and don't mix fireworks and alcohol."

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