Jul 22nd 2008 11:00pm

Northern Advocate

Tragedy Blamed on Faulty Appliance

An electrical fault in a dehumidifier has been ruled out as the cause of a fire that killed a Far North 92-year-old - but investigators still believe the appliance was to blame.

When fire razed the home of Winifred Coxshall at Umawera, 45km southeast of Kaitaia, on June 11, suspicion quickly fell on the elderly woman's near-new dehumidifier.

Mrs Coxshall's daughter and son-in-law, who lived less than 400m away, tried in vain to rescue her when they were woken by their dog barking about 2.10am.

They had bought the dehumidifier less than six weeks earlier in a bid to help her breathe easier.

After studying the pattern of fire damage in the granny flat, Northland fire safety officer Craig Bain said the likely cause was an electrical fault in the dehumidifier in her bedroom and lounge area. Little was left of the appliance but blackened metal.

However, experts at Energy Safety _ a division of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs which investigates electrical and gas-related accidents _ have cleared the dehumidifier after studying detailed photographs of its charred components.

Bunnings retail outlets had voluntarily removed the unit from sale until investigations were complete.

But Mr Bain said he was still confident the dehumidifier started the fire, possibly after it was unintentionally misused.

'Something may have been accidentally placed over the vents, or there was a build up of moisture.

'The family have reported to the Fire Service they had done their best to ensure the manufacturer's guidance on safe distances around vents was maintained _ however, human fallibility comes in to play,' he said.

The fire was a timely reminder to make sure all recommendations on placement and use were heeded.

People should always read the manufacturer's instructions on any appliances, Mr Bain said.

Credit:Northern Advocate