In the wake of the fatal house fire in Mairehau, Spreydon Fire Station has reached out to its community with a message of grief, care, and a heartfelt plea to stay safe.

In its post, the station said: “Our hearts are breaking today for the family whose lives have been torn apart by the house fire in Mairehau. It is a tragedy beyond words that anyone, especially children, should have to suffer such loss and trauma.”

Out of that grief came an urgent plea. The station said working smoke alarms, spread throughout the home, were critical, and asked people to look out for one another.

“Check your house now. Check your older relatives and friends’ houses. If you don’t have enough, or the ones you have aren’t working, call us,” the station said.

The crew offered to help personally. Anyone who needs alarms installed or repaired can phone the station on 03 332 1764, and firefighters will come and do it themselves, at no cost.

The station also had gentle advice for families with young children at home. It encouraged parents to test the alarms alongside their children so the sound becomes familiar, and to walk through the shortest route from each bedroom to an exit, with a second route in case the first is blocked.

“Teach them to get low to the floor, get out of the house fast, and stay out,” the station said. “Teach them to meet at a safe gathering place, like the letterbox.”

The firefighters also held their own close. They acknowledged the crews from Redwood, Anzac and Christchurch City stations, the 111 calltakers, and the command and investigation team who attended the fire.

“These jobs are hard and heavy, and can weigh on you for a long time,” the station said. “A sad day for Christchurch. Stay safe whānau.”