Beware of electrical fire risk at home

VICTORIA’S fire services are calling on households to check the safety and maintenance of their electrical equipment and appliances, following a recent clothes dryer fire that destroyed a home.

Firefighters responded to the Berwick dryer fire, which started in the middle of the night.

The three residents escaped unharmed, but firefighters worked for 30 minutes to control the blaze,
which had extended through the roof space and quickly engulfed the whole house.

Once a house fire starts, it can spread rapidly and engulf your home in a matter of minutes.

By adopting fire-safe habits and reducing potential hazards, there is a lot you can do to protect yourself and the people you live with.

In an average year, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) respond to more than 3,000 residential fire incidents across the state, many of which are preventable.

FRV Commissioner Gavin Freeman said Victorians should be wary of overloaded power boards, phone and laptop chargers and electric blankets.

“Electrical hazards in the home are a common cause for house fires these days, but you can greatly reduce your risk by taking some simple safety measures.

“Make sure you’re not overloading power boards. Don’t leave your phone charging overnight. And never put electrical appliances like hair straighteners and laptops on soft surfaces.

“Take the time to service your ducted heating and clean your range hood and oven regularly, prevention is the best policy when it comes to fire safety.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the Berwick dryer fire was a timely reminder to people to check their appliances were in good working order with good air flow around them.

“Using damaged or faulty electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire, so please, play it safe, and only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair faulty appliances.

“No one thinks a house fire is going to happen to them, but CFA attended 137 electrical fires last year and we’ve already responded to 84 this year.

“To prevent a fire from igniting, take the time to check your home office is set up safely, with no loose cables, overloaded power boards or double adaptors and switch off any appliances at the wall when they’re not being used.”

For as little as $20, households can help safeguard their homes and loved ones by purchasing and installing affordable smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas.