By Tanya Steele
Seven CFA units responded to a structure fire on Belgrave-Gembrook Road in Emerald at approximately 5:03pm on Tuesday evening.
The evening of May 14 saw brigades from Bayswater, Emerald, Clematis, and Menzies Creek dispatched to an unoccupied building in Emerald, where crews found a brick house involved in fire.
Arriving within six minutes, crews quickly got to work and Emerald CFA Captain Klaus Brodeck said with smoke visibility billowing from the roof, firefighters entered with breathing apparatuses on.
“The building was unoccupied,” he said.
Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the CFA, the blaze was brought under control within 15 minutes, with the scene declared safe by 5:24pm.
We were able to knock down the fire quite quickly,” said Captain Brodeck.
“Crew members then searched for fire extension within the roof, and when that was clear we were also able to clear the smoke.”
Emerald CFA took to social media after the event to ask the public to remember to check their home smoke alarms.
“This is a timely reminder that having working smoke alarms in your property can save you and your family’s life,” the post read.
“If you only do one thing today, please make it about your smoke alarms.”
“Check to see if they are working and if you don’t have them, please organise for them to be installed.”
According to the CFA website, new smoke alarms that have a 10 year lifespan ensure families can feel the highest level of security.
Working smoke alarms are your best defence against preventable residential fires, especially during the night, when people lose their sense of smell.
Victoria Police were also on scene.
