Fire investigators believe this South Auckland house fire spread so quickly because of a highly flammable foam used in furnishings. Photo: RNZAuthorities say a fire that left a South Auckland family homeless spread so quickly because of their couch which has a highly flammable foam filling. Fire and Emergency said the blaze this past Sunday was most likely accidentally started by one of the children but the polyurethane foam in the sofa escalated it. The National Fire Investigation Manager, Peter Wilding, said there are about 2500 house fires a year and the foam is a significant contributing factor. Mr Wilding said using retardant on the foam is one way to stop it burning up so easily.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 19, 2019 07:41 UTC