Fire hotspots

LOCAL emergency services are teaming up to warn people about fire hotspots in the home this winter.
The City of Casey has joined the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) to encourage fire safety during the winter months.
Casey’s director of community services, Jennie Lee, said it was important that people were aware of all the fire risk factors in the home and took the appropriate precautions to reduce the risks.
“Residents should always ensure that their heaters are free of dust and are in good working order, particularly after they have spent the warmer months unused or locked away in the cupboard,” Ms Lee said.
“Many people use appliances such as heaters that haven’t been professionally checked in a number of years so it is important that (they) are regularly serviced to prevent house fires this winter.”
More house fires occur in winter than any other time of year with up to 20 per cent caused by heat from cooking or heating appliances and 45 per cent starting in the kitchen or cooking area.
“Fat or cooking oil will ignite when it reaches a certain temperature, and leaving cooking unattended, even for a few moments, is one of the most common and preventable causes of home fires,” Ms Lee said.
“Throwing water on the fire can make it worse by spreading the flaming oil onto yourself or your loved ones and also spreading the fire. The flames need to be smothered to stop the blaze.”
The ESV is also providing Seniors Card holders with a rebate off the cost of its electrical Home Safety Inspections.
More information on winter fire safety can be found at www.check-yourhotspots.com or www.cfa.vic.gov.au, while information on the electrical Home Safety Inspection scheme can be found at www.esv.vic.gov.au.