Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Members responded to two fires in Darwin city overnight after being alerted by smoke detectors in the buildings.

The first, in McMinn Street at about 7.30 pm, started in the basement where initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a ceiling light fitting.  Debris from the fluorescent light fell onto a computer where smouldering embers started a small blaze.

The second, on the first floor of an arcade in Cavenagh Street, occurred around 6.30am and fire investigators there believe it was caused by material wrapped around a globe overheating and falling onto bedding.

Fire Watch Commander Wayne Tourell said it was unusual to have two fires in the same night started in similar circumstances.

“At this stage we understand both fires were caused by ceiling lights failing and falling onto combustible items.  Although in the arcade fire it was through the actions of an individual who probably wasn’t thinking about the hazards of material and extreme heat.”

Senior Station Officer Tourell said the quick response from fire fighters in both cases prevented a much more serious event from happening.

“We cannot stress enough the value of having working smoke detectors fitted in all buildings.  In both situations fire crews were alerted to smoke early enough that damage was kept to a minimum.

“Working smoke detectors have not only saved these properties but potentially saved the lives of others in the areas where these fires started.”