Investigators have concluded their examination of the scene of a fatal house fire in Porirua, but police say inquiries into its cause are continuing.
The fire broke out in the Hereford St house yesterday morning, and although four occupants managed to escape, a two-year-old girl was found dead inside.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam said a couple and their nine children lived at the home, in the suburb of Cannons Creek, but at the time of the fire only the mother and four children aged between 10-months and 13-years were inside.
"The mother saved the three-year-old son and 10-month-old daughter by throwing them out a window," Mr Oxnam said.
"However, despite her best efforts, she was prevented from saving her two-year-old daughter by the heat and the smoke of the fire."
The older daughter escaped by jumping out a window.
Mr Oxnam said the family had asked police not to publicly identify the toddler who died.
A post mortem was carried out on her today and the results will be reported to the coroner.
Mr Oxnam said police and an ESR scientist had carried out a scene examination but inquiries were continuing.
Firefighters said the house was well ablaze by the time they arrived and flames had been fanned by strong winds.
