Cause of blaze to be probed: Roo

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By GYNNIE KERO
THE Fire Service will investigate the cause of a fire which razed 15 homes at Hanuabada in Port Moresby last Saturday.
Acting Chief Fire Officer Bill Roo said the investigation would start today.
“Fifteen houses burnt to ashes. Four were partly destroyed. Investigation starts (today) on the cause of the fire,” he said.
He told The National the south-easterly wind prevailing at the time helped the fire to spread quickly.
St John Ambulance chief officer Matt Cannon said they attended to seven people at the scene suffering from smoke inhalation, dehydration and cuts.
He said they received a call around 4.50pm to support the Fire Services at Hanuabada village.
Three officers attended, supported by a paramedic commander.
“Multiple structures were well alight, with flames still billowing from the houses on our arrival,” Cannon said.
“Firefighters were battling strong winds to bring the fires under control.
“Seven patients were attended to by St John Ambulance nurses and a paramedic with injuries, smoke inhalation, dehydration and deep cuts.
“One firefighter was treated by St John and returned to fight the fire. Three patients were referred to hospital for further treatment.
“St John coordinated the delivery of bottled water to the scene of the fire to ensure firefighters could continue to fight the fire without risking dehydration or heat exhaustion.
“We want to commend the PNG Fire Service for the marvellous job they performed. From our view, they brought the fire under control, preventing its spread to neighboring houses.”