By Bridget Brady
44068 Pictures: Donna Oates
A FIRE that gutted a house in Cannons Creek last week was a timely reminder not to leave any cooking unattended, according to a local fire captain.
The fire at Hardy Avenue in Cannons Creek started about 4.40pm on Friday, when the resident left a pot with oil in it unattended on the stove.
Devon Meadows Fire Brigade captain Andrew Swain said crews from Devon Meadows, Pearcedale and Tooradin worked on the fire for about an hour and a half and did well to contain it to the back end of the house.
“He obviously got distracted and the next thing he knew it (fire) was up into the walls and into the ceiling of the kitchen,” Capt Swain said.
The back of the kitchen was completely destroyed, Capt Swain said.
A man, woman and child all escaped the house before calling 000.
“Obviously the protection of life comes well before property. If they can get out and then make the call that makes our job easier as well because we’re not looking for someone inside.”
Capt Swain said it only took a few minutes for stove-top cooking that was left unattended to cause a fire.
“If you’re going to be distracted by the kids or the phone then ensure that any cooking is turned off and left safe before you do anything else.”
Capt Swain said there had been a few house fires in the coastal villages during the past few months.
“Generally people are fairly good, but accidents are always going to happen.”
The house had cement sheeting containing asbestos, Capt Swain said, and it did not take long for fire to take off into the roof area.
Thermal imaging cameras from the Frankston Fire Brigade were later used in the roof area to detect any hot spots.
“It was a good effort by all the brigades,” Capt Swain said.
