Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has reminded residents to review their home fire safety arrangements as the cold weather sets in.
QFES crews have responded to more than 2,600 residential house fires during the past five winters.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said winter was the peak season for house fires, with firefighters responding to an average of 40 incidents per week.
“House fires move fast and can happen to anyone, in any type of home. Don’t be complacent and think it won’t happen to you,” Mr Ryan said.
“The reality is most fires are caused by everyday items such as cooking equipment, faulty or poorly maintained appliances and flammable materials placed too close to heat sources.”
Mr Ryan said when heat and toxic smoke began to fill a home, survival would depend on working, interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms and a well-practised fire escape plan.
Commissioner of the QFES, Greg Leach said with Queensland currently outside its traditional natural disaster seasons, now was the perfect time for families to make sure their home fire safety was up to date.
“We know most Queenslanders are aware of the risks associated with house fires, however, the QFES’s research shows one in three families don’t feel prepared,” Mr Leach said.
“Creating and practising a fire escape plan takes less than five minutes and is a simple, practical way to ensure your family knows what to do in the event of a house fire.”
Mr Leach said young children and the elderly were most at risk, so it was important to consider how they would safely escape.
“Make it a priority this winter to draw up an escape plan with multiple exits based on the location of the fire and practice it regularly with your family,” he said.
