Firefighters are warning the public not to risk their lives by removing burning items from their homes after three people were seriously injured in Dunedin.

In recent weeks, residents were badly burned while trying to remove a dryer, a mattress, and a pot of burning oil in three separate house fire incidents.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Otago Risk Reduction Advisor Matt Jones said each case could have ended in tragedy.

“These people have sustained serious injuries, but we were fortunate not to be responding to fatal fires,” he said.

“Let this be a reminder to people that if a fire is bigger than a football, then you cannot put it out. You must get out and stay out.”

Jones said one incident involved a vape’s lithium ion battery overheating while charging on a bed, which set the mattress on fire.

“That caused a very intense hot fire inside the mattress,” he said.

“The person attempted to remove the mattress three times. This put themselves and others in danger not only from the fire, but from the toxic smoke being emitted.

“Everything in that house can be replaced except for the people inside. People should never risk their lives to save their property. It is just not worth it.”

The house also did not have working smoke alarms. Jones said it was fortunate the person arrived home when they did, as another person was asleep inside at the time.

Fire and Emergency recommends installing working smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways, and living areas.

They also advise having a three step escape plan which includes working smoke alarms, identifying the best and alternative ways out, and having a safe meeting place outside the home.