Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has expressed its concern over a spate of destructive house fires across the north of the State.
Chief Superintendent, Fire and Rescue Service, Michael O’Neil said Northern Region firefighters had responded to 18 structure fires since the beginning of May, including more than a dozen house fires.
“Our firefighters have responded to 13 house fires in less than six weeks — 11 in the Townsville area, and two in the Mount Isa area,” Chief Superintendent O’Neil said.
“People are often surprised at how easily a fire can start in the home and how quickly it can spread, causing devastating consequences.”
He said it was important that residents took preventative action to protect themselves, their family and their property from house fire hazards.
Chief Superintendent O’Neil said a large proportion of North Queensland house fires originated in the kitchen or cooking area.
“Last year, firefighters attended 140 house fires and nearly half of those started in the kitchen. Kitchen fires are commonly caused by unattended cooking or seemingly harmless appliances, such as microwaves, ovens and toasters,” he said.
“These fires are particularly dangerous as they can quickly spread to any grease or fat built up around the stove and range-hood, before spreading to the roof and throughout the home.”
However, kitchens were not the only house fire hazard.
“Overheated battery chargers, overloaded power points and faulty heating appliances are other common causes of house fires,” Chief Superintendent O’Neil said.
“During a fire, residents have only a small window of time to safely escape, so it is critical that all Queensland properties are fitted with working smoke alarms.”
He said interconnected photoelectric alarms were the most effective type at detecting a wide range of household fires. However all smoke alarms could save lives only if they were well maintained and in proper working condition.
He urged residents to remember to dust and vacuum smoke alarms regularly and to test them once a month.
