General News
6 June, 2024
CFA urges winter best time for safety
FIRE safety is a hot topic this winter, with data revealing firefighters respond to around 100 fires caused by heaters each year.
With winter having now begun Victoria’s fire services are warning the community not to be complacent when heating the home as it is the peak time for heater fires.
In the last five years, Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades responded to more than 640 house fires caused by a heater.
These types of fires mainly start either due to a mechanical fault, or because the heater is located too close to flammable materials in a lounge room or sleeping area.
Home heating systems vary and can include fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, portable electrical, gas or kerosene heaters, as well as open fires and wood heaters.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said Victorians should make sure their gas and electrical heaters are serviced every two years to safeguard their loved ones from fire.
“Last year CFA responded to 87 house fires caused by heaters and in 2022 there were 119 fires,” he said.
“This decline is encouraging to see but, ideally, we want to see that figure as 9+zero.
“A common mistake we’re finding is households are keeping their drying clothes too close to heaters and fireplaces, so it’s best to ensure they are at least one metre away from all heating.
“Regardless of when you turn a heater on, just be mindful to turn them off before you leave the house or go to sleep.”
Last week the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), also marked the first ever Smoke Alarm Action Day alongside New South Wales, Western Australia and Northern Territory, a day to urge households to ensure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes.
The initiative aimed to remind Victorians the majority of fatal fires start in a bedroom or living room, so having smoke alarms installed in all hallways, sleeping and living areas is the best line of defence.
When it comes to home heating, FRV and CFA recommends drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all home heating devices.
Children must be supervised near all types of heating while maintaining a safe distance.
Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended, and turn off heating devices before leaving home or going to sleep.
Residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure the safety of loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.