MORE house fires were recorded in Wyndham than any other area in Melbourne’s west this winter. Unattended cooking was the leading cause across the region.
CFA and MFB data reveals there were more than 1000 house fires in Victoria during the three-month period, killing three people.
CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson said while there was a reduction in the number of fires statewide, there was an increase in those caused by heating and wood fires.
“Almost half of the residential fires were heating-related or electrical fires and could have been prevented,” he said.
“Keep at least a one-metre clear space around heaters and open fires, keep screens in front of fires, and check your electric appliances for broken or worn wiring.”
Wyndham CFA operations officer Trevor Roberts said it was crucial to regularly inspect electrical appliances.
Although there was a significantly lower risk of house fires during the warmer months, he said it was important to remain vigilant, adding that every home must have working smoke alarms. “You’re 60 per cent less likely to survive a house fire without a working smoke alarm. A smoke alarm is the only thing that will alert you if there is smoke from a fire.”
For details, including a home fire safety checklist, visit homefiresafety.com.au.
