ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) has launched a community safety campaign reminding Canberrans about how to prevent home fires and what to do if one starts.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman said now was the time for residents to think about the fire risks within their homes and make sure they knew what to do if a fire started.
“Fire caused by heaters and dryers increased in the ACT in 2020 and kitchen fires continue to be the leading cause of home fires every winter,” Mr Gentleman said.
“ACT Fire and Rescue is working with the Canberra community to reduce the risk of heater, dryer and kitchen fires in the home and educating them on how to safely respond if threatened by a fire,” he said.
“Most of these fires are preventable.”
Mr Gentleman said ACTF&R’s Be Fire Ready campaign reminded the community to keep flammable materials at least one metre from a heater; to regularly clean the lint filter in their dryer; and not to leave cooking unattended.
Acting Chief Officer at ACTF&R, Matthew Mavity said it was important for residents to understand how to extinguish small fires, especially as open plan living spaces had increased fire spread rates.
“Understanding what actions to take if a fire was to start in your home, like using a fire blanket or extinguisher, can reduce the amount of damage sustained,” A/g Chief Officer Mavity said.
“This winter, we will be educating the Canberra community on the simple actions they can take to ensure the safety of themselves, loved ones and their property,” he said.
A/g Chief Officer Mavity said the safest thing people could do if a fire took hold in their home was to get out and call triple zero (000).
He said the community safety campaign would be delivered across the ACT Emergency Services Agency website and social media channels.
ACTF&R’s home fire safety tips can be accessed at this PS News link.
