18 Apr 2017

"Everyone goes to me 'you're a hero'... I just guess I was a good neighbour"

From Morning Report, 7:45 am on 18 April 2017

An Auckland man who helped rescue a young family from their burning home says another 10 seconds and his neighbours may not have survived.

Edward Johnstone say the family of six was asleep when a fire started to engulf their home on Rapson Roadd in Otara yesterday morning. [7am Monday]

Mr Johnstone and his father-in-law had to bang on the outside of the house until they woke up.

He told our reporter Joanna MacKenzie they got everyone out just in time, but were unable to save the family pet.

Edward Johnstone saved a family of six who were asleep when a fire started to engulf their home

Edward Johnstone saved a family of six who were asleep when a fire started to engulf their home Photo: RNZ Joanna MacKenzie

Mr Johnstone also said the family told him they thought the fire was started by faulty wiring which they had informed Housing New Zealand about.

A spokesperson for Housing New Zealand says its records show the tenants have not contacted them about faulty wiring at the property.
 
Fire Investigator Russell Dixon says the scene inspection was completed yesterday and it is still being treated as suspicious. The investigation is now with police.