Firewise message well heeded by Mamaku youngster

Cherie Taylor | 25th November 2009

Taylor Soutar is nothing short of a firewise hero.

At a school assembly yesterday, the 9-year-old Mamaku boy, who raised the alarm when a neighbouring house caught fire, was awarded a Firewise Safe Certificate and a backpack by local volunteer firefighters, deputy chief John Rowe and David Elton-Walters.

It was in the early hours of Sunday, September 20, when Taylor, who was up late watching television, noticed flames licking at the eves of the historic house across the road from his Okohiriki St home.

He told The Daily Post he knew exactly what to do after watching the Firewise advertisement on television.

"I knew to call 111. The flames were as high as the roof," he said.

Taylor said he was terrified his best friend, Tyla-Jo, 9, and her family were still inside.

"I was scared because I knew there were gas bottles inside that could explode and I didn't know if there was anyone still inside. Tyla-Jo could have died," he said.

The 100-year-old homestead was gutted in the fire but nobody was hurt as the family was out at the time. The fire was covered by The Daily Post at the time.

Taylor's mum Sasha Turner said she was very proud of her son.

She also attributed his quick actions to the Firewise advertisement.

"It does have a catchy tune which the kids pick up on. It's great. I'm overwhelmed by what he did," she said.

Owner of the home, Aneta McMeeking was proud of Taylor.

"He's our little hero. We are so proud of him. He would have saved us if we were asleep.

"Luckily no one was home at the time," she said.

Mr Rowe said Taylor did the right thing.

Sometimes no one saw or heard a fire until it was too late, he said.

He said it was a good time to remind people to not only ensure they had smoke alarms fitted but to ensure they checked the batteries every six months.

"You see those advertisements on TV telling you to put your clocks back and check the batteries in your smoke detector - it's vital," Mr Rowe said.

"In a minute it can all be gone. Go straight home and check the batteries."