Catholic school pupil praised for bravery during McDonald’s fire

Harper Davis had been walked to the restaurant by a teacher just before 3pm on May 5, so that her mother could collect her after school. Harper, 9, saw smoke in the restaurant playground, checked to see if it was coming from a rubbish bin, and then alerted staff that part of the playground was on fire.

“They alerted other managers to quickly call the fire department,” she said. “My mum arrived and by the time she got there the whole playground was on fire, so it spread very quickly.

“Then she told me to get in the car because there’s a gas station right next to the fire. Luckily the fire department is one minute away. Then they were putting out the fire and they stayed the night just to make sure nothing else started.”

The restaurant was gutted in the blaze. Everyone was evacuated from the building and there were no reports of injuries.

Since the incident, Harper has received praise for her maturity in a stressful situation and for her quick-thinking response.

St Mark’s Catholic School principal Tracey Kopua said: “We are very proud of Harper. She showed great maturity by acting so decisively when she spotted danger. Goodness knows what could have happened if she hadn’t been there at that moment in time.”

Harper later received a bravery certificate from Fire and Emergency.

FULL STORY

Brave schoolgirl praised for actions during McDonald’s fire (By Chris Harrowell/Eastern Times)

Police investigating suspected arson at East Auckland McDonald’s, scene guard in place (NZ Herald)