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Winter fire safety warning

Posted on August 12, 2008, 12:12pm and updated on August 12, 2008 at 5:24 pm

South East residents have been urged to re-check electrical cords before use after an ironing board caught fire recently.

Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) South East regional manager George Rodis said the incident should serve as a timely warning that fire safety should not cease in winter.

Mr Rodis said an incident occurred in a home when a slightly frayed cord on an iron caused an electrical short which caused the ironing board cover to ignite.

Although the fire was quickly extinguished, others may not be quite so lucky.

Mr Rodis said the MFS had collected numerous items from within homes over the years and although this year had been quiet, firefighters did not want to rest on their laurels.

“I would not be surprised if 40 to 50pc of households could have this happening at home,” Mr Rodis warned.

Among the most common causes of fires in homes during winter were frayed electrical cords, improper use of wood fires and faulty electric blankets.

With all three used extensively throughout winter, Mr Rodis pleaded for the public to inspect their items and replace them if worn out, particularly electrical items.

“An electric blanket is about $20 from a department store, don’t risk it,” Mr Rodis said.

In the case of chimneys and flues, cleaning was regularly required, with proper storage of wood also of grave importance.

Soot can build up in the flue and may then ignite. I have seen some glow red hot and these inturn can cause roof timber to ignite.

Wood and hanging clothes also needed to be stored away from the heater, out of the danger zone.

“I know it is the middle of winter, but if you have any doubt, get it cleaned,” Mr Rodis said.

“This is how simple it is.”

Winter fire safety tips:

Heaters: Keep clothes, bedding, furniture, curtains and other items at least one metre away from heaters and open fires.

Clothes dryer: Clean you lint filter regularly.

Cooking: Never throw water onto an oil or fat fire, use a fire blanket, saucepan lid or a dry powder fire extinguisher. If the oil ignites, do not carry the pan outside.

Candles: Keep the immediate area around a candle clear of all items which can catch fire.

Electricity: Check power cords are not frayed or damaged and never run an extension cord under carpets or rugs. Don’t overload powerpoints and use a powerboard with an overload switch instead of a double adapter.

Smoke alarms: Every home must have a smoke alarm by law. Test smoke alarms once a month and clean every six months.

Home fire escape plan: Create a home fire escape plan and practice it twice a year with your family.

000: Teach children to use the 000 emergency number correctly. To speed up the process, clearly identify location including state, as well as which emergency service you require, eg fire, police, ambulance.

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