Fatal Fire in Manapouri Claims Lives of Mother and Son

A house fire in Manapouri, Southland, resulted in the tragic deaths of a mother and her 11-year-old son on July 4, 2024. According to Coroner Heather McKenzie, the blaze was likely ignited by a heater that caught bedding on fire in the boy’s bedroom. The victims, Kellyanne Kemble, 47, and her son, Kelly Kerr, were found after the fire engulfed their home in the early hours of the morning.

Investigators determined that the fire started around 03:35 a.m. in the family’s single-storey residence on View Street. At the time, there were no functioning smoke alarms in the house. Overnight temperatures had dipped below freezing, reaching -0.1°C, and the property was known for being difficult to heat. The family typically relied on heaters and a wood burner for warmth, often leaving the burner’s door open to circulate heat.

In addition to the heater, the home contained a storeroom filled with flammable materials, including fuels, tools, gas cylinders, and paint. Coroner McKenzie noted that both victims died from smoke inhalation, with Kemble’s pre-existing heart condition potentially contributing to her death. At the time of the fire, Kemble’s partner, Jason Hoggard, was working on a charter boat.

Details of the Incident and Investigation Findings

Neighbors reported hearing explosions and shouting before witnessing flames consuming the house. Volunteer fire brigades from Manapouri and Te Anau arrived quickly but were unable to save the structure. The Coroner’s report stated, “Kellyanne was found in the lounge and Kelly was found in his bedroom under the bed. It cannot be known whether Kelly was sleeping there or attempting to escape and thought it to be a safe place.”

Fire and Emergency investigators identified several potential causes for the ignition of the fire. These included a fault in the heater, overheating of its plug or cable, the heater igniting bedding, or combustible materials falling onto it. Additionally, radiant heat significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Investigators found no evidence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) involvement or that the fire began near the wood burner, despite the family’s practice of leaving its door open.

The Coroner pointed out that the home had only one viable exit, as other routes were blocked during the fire. While Coroner McKenzie did not issue formal recommendations, she emphasized the significance of adhering to fire safety guidelines provided by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. This includes the installation of smoke alarms and ensuring that flammable materials are kept away from heat sources.

Ultimately, the investigation concluded there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire. The community is mourning the loss of Kellyanne Kemble and her son, with many reflecting on the need for increased awareness of fire safety measures in residential properties.