27 September 2023

June a damper on home firefighting

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The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has reported that June was the quietest June on record for household fires.

The DFES responded to 59 home fires in June, 25 per cent below the average for the first month of winter.

This follows a trend of decline in 2020, with firefighters responding to 383 home fires from January to June this year, the lowest number in a decade.

Acting Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services, Craig Waters (pictured) said home fires were typically more common in winter, given the increased use of potential electrical hazards such as heaters, clothes dryers, power boards and other household appliances.

“Most fires around the home are preventable,” Acting Commissioner Waters said.

“Electrical faults and unattended heat sources such as cooking and heating appliances remain the leading causes of home fires in 2020.

“The reduced number of fires is a positive start to winter, but the recent bout of severe weather is a reminder that the weeks ahead represented an increased risk.”

He said it was pleasing to see fewer fires in June and throughout the first half of this year “however, we want this trend to continue”.

“We expect people will continue to spend more time indoors while these cold and wet conditions persist, which means it’s likely they’ll be using heating appliances and dryers more frequently,” Acting Commissioner Waters said.

“Check and maintain your heating and electrical appliances, ensure fireplaces and chimneys are clean and clear of residue, and keep all materials at least one metre from heat sources,” he said.

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