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Gippsland residents and businesses warned about winter fire risks following recent incidents from heating equipment in Wellington Shire

Wellington Shire Council emphasises the importance of fire safety during winter due to recent fires. Heating equipment precautions and smoke alarm maintenance are advised to prevent fires and protect residents.

By news@gippsland - 30th June 2023 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council is urging residents and local business owners not to become complacent about fire safety during the winter season. The prompt follows a spate of fires in recent weeks which has seen entire households and commercial buildings within the Shire completely destroyed.

ESMs are vital safety features in buildings, providing occupants with time to evacuate and reducing the spread of fire. Regular maintenance is essential

Winter fire hazards

The winter months are among the most dangerous times of the year in terms of house fires. Whilst the most common place in the home where fires start is in the kitchen, data from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria shows that more than 72 percent of deadly fires start in bedrooms and living areas; most of which are caused by mechanical failure of heating systems, appliances, and equipment.

As the weather cools down, residents are being asked to stay vigilant when using heating equipment such as indoor fireplaces and electric room heaters.

Safety and prevention tips

When it comes to home heating in particular, Fire Rescue Victoria and the CFA recommend the following fire safety and prevention tips like:

• Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended and turn off heating devices before leaving home or going to sleep
• Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all heating
• Residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure the safety of loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire
• Children must be supervised near all types of heating
• Heaters should be installed as per the manufacturer's instructions, away from wet areas if they are portable and when purchasing a heater look for one that has an automatic safety switch that will turn off if the heater is tipped over

Under the Victorian smoke alarm legislation, all residential properties must have a smoke alarm installed on every level including in every sleeping area and living room. As a further safety precaution, smoke alarms should be installed with a 10-year long-life battery and tested each month to reduce fire risk.

Winter fire awareness

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye was shocked to learn about the recent fires in Wellington Shire. "Having these fires happen within the first two weeks of winter is devastating and has such a huge impact on so many people living in our community."

"I encourage all residents to stay alert of the fire risks in their home or business and to develop a fire escape plan and practise it". Cr Bye said.

More information about fire prevention and safety is available at:

• Victorian Government - Practical Fire Safety Tips
• CFA - Fires in the Home
• Fire Rescue Victoria - Home Fire Safety

If a fire starts inside your property, get out and stay out and in every case - call Triple Zero (000).

Pictures from CFA (Country Fire Authority) Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com