FIRE crews have praised a passer-by who kicked in the back door of a burning Seabrook unit and rescued its two occupants.
A tradesman travelling through Mark Court forced his way in to alert the sleeping tenants after he noticed smoke billowing from the unit about 8.30am Friday.
The two-bedroom unit was destroyed, racking up a damage bill of more than $250,000.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said the rescuer suffered minor injuries and one of the residents suffered smoke inhalation. Both were taken to The Alfred hospital.
Metropolitan Fire Brigade commander Bill Weir said a crew of 16 firefighters helped Point Cook CFA battle the blaze.
“On arrival, our pump crew were confronted with flames coming through the roof of the premises,” he said. “The unit is completely destroyed and the roof won’t be worth salvaging.
“The residents didn’t awake from the flames and didn’t have a working smoke alarm, so if it wasn’t for the quick access of the tradesman passing by, we wouldn’t be so lucky.”
Investigators said the fire was caused by a coiled heater lead left beneath bedding.
MFB fire investigator Michelle McKay said the close call was a timely reminder for winter.
“We understand that people keep cords for electrical appliances coiled up because they are neater and easier to store when not in use,” she said.”
“However, it’s very important this winter when using heaters and other appliances such as electric blankets, to ensure the cords are fully extended and do not have any clothing or bedding resting on them.”
For more fire safety tips, visit mfb.vic.gov.au.
