A man, unaware his house was on fire, had a welcome visit from two observant CIB officers in Glen Innes late this morning.
The two officers were outside the Glen Innes Police Station at about 11.20am when they noticed smoke coming from a Housing New Zealand duplex in Taniwha St.
While calling the Fire Service to attend, they drove to the property and went into the house where, in the downstairs lounge, they found a disoriented man who was unaware his home was burning. By this time the flames had reached the roof at one end of the house.
He was assisted out by Constables Jeffrey Brown and Jameson Asekona who then returned to the two-storey house to ensure it was empty.
One other person outside the house had earlier become aware of the fire and had started to douse it using a garden hose.
Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers says he's proud of the actions of the two officers and has personally thanked them.
"I'm advised things could have been a lot more serious if not for the quick thinking of these two officers who were worried children might have been upstairs when they returned to check the upper level.
"I am constantly reminded of the value of competent and caring staff who regularly put their lives at risk in the course of their daily duties."
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz