Marae fire highlights need for safety checks

The destruction of a marae in the Waikato settlement of Mokai on Saturday underlines the importance of marae leaders actively reviewing their fire prevention measures, says Fire Service National Maori Advisor Piki Thomas.

The fire began in the dining room and rapidly spread through the whole building early on Saturday evening.

Mr Thomas said the remote location, a limited water supply and a lack of smoke alarms meant there was little chance to save the marae.

“Sadly, witnesses could do little but watch in anguish as their community’s most important building went up in smoke.”

He said it was likely other marae around the country were vulnerable to fire, too.

“Saturday’s fire should spur those responsible for the management of marae to re-evaluate their fire safety measures.

“The Fire Service strongly recommends installing sprinklers to control the spread of fire and to protect taonga. We also recommend hard-wired smoke alarms to provide early warning and preparing an evacuation plan – and practising it regularly so occupants can get out quickly.

“It’s also important to check wiring in older buildings, to keep an eye on tamariki, to cook safely and to test fire extinguishers and hose reels.”

Mr Thomas said he had gone to Mokai on Saturday and had witnessed the distress the marae’s destruction had caused Ngati Te Kohera and Ngati Tuwharetoa people.

He urged marae leaders to contact their local Maori Liaison Officer on 0800 MAHUIKA (624 8452) as a first step to assessing their safety precautions.

ENDS

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