Death, injury and property loss from residential fires are a major concern throughout the year, but especially during the winter months when the number of house fires increases.
During 2002 CFA firefighters attended nearly 1300 house fires with most fires in residential dwellings starting in the kitchen (30%), bedroom (13.5%), lounge room (11%) or laundry (5%).
You’ll have a much greater chance of avoiding the devastating effects of fire if you take action now to reduce the risks in your home.
Kitchen
- Stovetop fires caused by fat or oil burning over to hotplate or splattering nearby.
- Leaving cooking on a stove unattended
Check the proximity of electric cords, curtains, tea towels and oven cloths to ensure they are at a safe distance from the stove.
Be careful of long, flowing sleeves on dressing gowns contacting gas flames.
Bedroom and lounge room
- Oil burners and candles left on at night or left burning while occupants are away from home
- Bedside lamps with incorrect wattage globes installed. Many bedside lamps are designed for 60 watt globes only
- Smoking in bed: ensure butts are extinguished before placing in bins
- Electric blankets: never leave the house without switching them off. Never leave heavy objects on the bed when the electric blanket is on - be especially careful of pets
Laundry
- Clothes dryers: always clean lint filters after each load. Avoid drying bras in your dryer as the underwire can get caught and start a fire
- Flammable liquids: store flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene or methylated spirits away from heaters and hot water service pilot flames
Fires caused by heating appliances
- Fireplaces without screen guards. Never leave an open fire alight when you leave the house or go to bed. Extinguish all flames and embers completely and ensure ashes are cold before discarding them.
- Clothing drying too close to heaters or open fires
- Incorrectly installed flues on wood heaters and stoves
All heating appliances must be professionally installed to Building Regulations and Australian Standards, particularly flues.
Electrical fires
- Overloaded power points and power boards
- Appliances such as an iron, stove, oven or heater left on at night or when the house is unattended
- Faulty electrical appliances. Have them repaired or discard them
- Electric cords under carpets and rugs causing heat build up
Always use a qualified electrician for all electrical wiring work. Never attempt to do it yourself.
Install safety switches and correct fuses. If a fire starts, turn off power at power point or switchboard immediately, if safe to do so.