Faulty TV sparks fire

By Glen Atwell
A FAULTY television sparked the near-fatal Cranbourne house fire in Raisell Road at the weekend.
Six people were hospitalised when a fierce fire engulfed the three-bedroom family home shortly after midnight on Saturday morning.
Cranbourne Det Sen Const Ed Keon-Cohen said only a fortunate series of events, including the bravery of two neighbours, was the reason no-one died during the blaze.
“But first and foremost, the family had working smoke alarms. Without those, the incident would have been much more tragic,” he said.
Michael Tucker, a resident from the neighbouring Breamlea Way, has been hailed a hero by police and the Country Fire Authority after rescuing two children from inside the burning property.
Mr Tucker climbed through a window at the rear of the house, which had been smashed by fellow neighbour Daniel Garlick, and discovered four-year-old Bailey and his five-year-old sister Shakira, huddled together on the floor of Bailey’s bedroom.
Shakira had recently completed a fire awareness course at school, and ensured she and her brother remained close to the floor.
The two rescued children were taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with burns and smoke inhalation, while Mr Tucker, who suffered lacerations and smoke inhalation, was transported to the Dandenong Hospital.
The children’s father attempted to reach the children but was driven back by smoke and flames. He was also taken to Dandenong Hospital suffering mild burns and smoke inhalation.
Cranbourne CFA fire officer Michael Cherry attended the scene, which he described as chaotic upon arrival.
“Flames and smoke were issuing from the rear of the house and a number of people were on the footpath suffering injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to burns and lacerations,” he said.
“The mother and father were woken by the smoke alarm, once again demonstrating that smoke alarms save lives.
“It was a very brave act by the neighbour who gained entry into the burning room to rescue the children and the CFA recommends some sort of commendation,” Mr Cherry said.
Casey councillor Steve Beardon backed the calls for Mr Tucker’s efforts to be officially recognised.
“It is a great attribute to put fear to one side and risk your life for others,” he said.
“On behalf of the community, I send thanks for both Mr Tucker and Mr Garlick for their life-saving efforts.
“Our hearts go out to the family.”
President of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Saint John, said a $250 cash donation from Sienna Property Services and the chamber would be offered to the family.
Donations are also welcome and can be delivered to the Sienna Property Services office at 182B Sladen Street, Cranbourne.