By Jessica Anstice
With the season of winter officially set in, the risk of house fires caused by heaters is considerably higher.
Heating equipment that could potentially cause a residential house fire 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,” Country Fire Authority (CFA) deputy chief officer Trevor 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.”
There are a number of ways people can prepare for winter which include:
– Turning off all portable heating and extinguish open fires before leaving home.
– Ensuring heaters are installed, maintained and operated according to manufacturers’ instructions.
– Always using a fire screen in front of an open fire.
– Cleaning chimneys and flutes annually.
– Keeping wood and other combustibles at least one metre from fire.
