Buxton Fire Brigade

Fires in the Home

On average, there are 3,000 house fires in Victoria each year. Most could be prevented by taking simple precautions.

Government data reveals 22 people unfortunately died in preventable Victorian house fires in 2020, an increase from 16 the year before, and above the long-term annual average of 18 deaths. Fortunately, there are few house fires in and around the Triangle area each year; however, this is no reason to become complacent about the risks imposed by house fires.

The majority of house fires across Victoria start at night, between 9pm and 6am, with 72% starting in living areas and bedrooms. Most concerning, is the fact that half of the 18 properties where fatal fires broke out around Victoria in 2020 did not have working smoke alarms.

CFA recommends that all residential buildings have interconnected smoke alarms installed in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways. These new generation smoke alarms ensure that when any one alarm activates, all smoke alarms in your home would sound. There is a clear increase in fatal fire risk in the rooms where people sleep and rest, with data showing that over the past decade, fatal fires most commonly start in bedrooms and living areas.

Top home fire safety tips

• Book a licensed gas-fitter to check your gas heater.
• Check chimneys, flues and fire boxes for cracks, rust and debris.
• Check electric blankets for kinks in the wiring.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer (and continue to do this after every use).
• Check appliances for visibly frayed or damaged wiring.
• Complete CFA’s online Home Fire Safety Checklist to see if you’ve done everything you can to protect you and your family.
• Learn more about how to prepare a home fire escape plan.
• Develop and routinely practice escaping quickly and safely.