The CFA is urging communities to continue practising fire awareness leading into the cooler months.
After several months of hot and dry weather, recent cool weather has encouraged more people to retrieve their heaters from hibernation, increasing the risk of house fires.
Deputy chief officer Trevor Owen said autumn and winter are the highest risk period for
residential fires due to the increased use of heating equipment.
Heating equipment includes fixed electrical and gas powered appliances, an open fire, wood
heater and portable electrical heaters or those which use gas or kerosene.
“Having your heaters checked and in good working condition, together with careful and correct
use, will greatly reduce the danger these appliances present,” Mr Owen said.
“CFA attend a large number of preventable house fires. These fires can have devastating
consequences, significant injuries and tragically, some fires result in deaths.”
Mr Owen said poorly maintained gas fires could cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We have seen the tragic consequences of this in the past,” he said.
“There can be no greater reason to have your gas heater inspected and serviced than to
ensure the safety of loved ones.
“Another common mistake is people drying clothes indoors near heaters and fireplaces, which
can be dangerous. Clothes should be kept at least one metre from the heat source.
“Every household should consider their fire safety practices and examine the potential risks
around their home.”
The CFA has released a number of ways people can prepare for winter:
Turn off all portable heating and extinguish open fires before leaving home.
Ensure heaters are installed, maintained and operated according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire.
Chimneys and flues should be cleaned annually.
Keep wood and other combustibles at least one metre from fire.
Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
For more residential fire safety information visit cfa.vic.gov.au.
