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Residents warned about winter house fire threatBack in the heat of the new year, a large and potentially disastrous fire approached Latrobe City from the northern boundary of our municipality. By Latrobe City Council - 1st August 2006 - Back to News The emergency management community worked together in response and recovery to combat this huge threat.
Latrobe’s municipal emergency co-ordinator, Lance King, said that whilst the combined efforts of so many people shows what can be accomplished under strenuous circumstances, the major threat to our homes is ourselves.
"In Latrobe City, statistics show that we have an average of 134 fires a year. From July 2005 to July 2006, there were 86 structure and house fires. There is an ongoing attitude that house and structure fires happen to other people and not to us," Mr King explained.
"Most house fires can be avoided by taking a little more time and care, especially in winter, when heating appliances are used more often. Ensure that furnishings, toys or clothes are not placed too close to the heater. If you have a wood heater or stove, ensure that the flues are correctly installed and carry out a regular maintenance check for wear and tear and deterioration on your solid fuel heaters and chimneys," Mr King said.
"Care in the kitchen is essential. Allowing a saucepan to boil over or boil dry on the stove, or even leaving the stove unattended is a common cause of house fires.
"Smoking in bed and children playing with matches are also identified as contributing factors for house fires," Mr King added.
Mr King said that leaving appliances on at night-time or when the house is unattended could also lead to fire.
"If this happens, the results can be devastating. An empty house can be rapidly destroyed and a fire occurring when residents are sleeping can make escape from the property more difficult," Mr King explained.
"Being vigilant to potential dangers and ensuring you have a maintenance program for appliances can reduce the risk of fires. Have a fire plan, know the quickest way out of your house, and most importantly install and maintain a smoke alarm. These are easy, yet essential, ways of surviving a house fire," Mr King concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Baw Baw Shire Council has completed the Craig Watts Park playground renewal in Neerim South, incorporating community and student feedback, with new equipment, safety upgrades, landscaping, and the slide arriving later. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Melina Bath statement wishes year 12 students across Eastern Victoria success in exams and future endeavours
Melina Bath wishes all Year 12 students in eastern Victoria good luck for exams, encouraging pride in achievements, resilience, and success in future studies, work, or apprenticeships. - Mallacoota community invited to share ideas for long-term future of Foreshore Holiday Park drop-in sessions on 10 and 13 April 2026
Mallacoota residents and park users are invited to informal drop-in sessions to share feedback, helping shape the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park master plan and guide its future improvements. - ANZAC Day dawn services honour Australian and New Zealand service members, their sacrifice, courage and enduring national legacy
Australians gather at dawn on ANZAC Day to honour service members, reflect on sacrifice, and remember all who served in wars, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions. - East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join family-friendly Australia Day celebrations on 22 and 26 January 2026
Residents are invited to free, family-friendly Australia Day celebrations across Baw Baw Shire, reflecting on history, recognising First Nations cultures, welcoming new citizens, thanking volunteers, and celebrating community spirit together. - Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide.
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