CFA is reminding Australians to check their chimney and ensure it is cleaned and well-maintained, following an incident in Victoria earlier this month.
On Saturday, June 14, CFA responded to a wood heater fire on the Terang–Mortlake Road in Noorat at about 1.10pm.
Upon arrival, firefighters from Noorat and District Fire Brigade found a fire inside the walls of the chimney cavity.
The flue had become detached from the wood heater, and this – combined with a build-up of creosote – had caused the fire.
The family was home and were able to put water on the blaze and safely escape before CFA crews arrived to fully extinguish the fire.
Crews worked to completely extinguish the fire and the scene was left with the homeowner to have the rest of the flue pulled apart.
The incident was under control by 1.36pm and safe at 2.17pm.
CFA District Six acting assistant chief fire officer Peter Lockwood said this was a good reminder with colder weather upon us.
“Please don’t neglect your chimney or flue and make sure it is cleaned and well maintained before firing it up this winter,” Mr Lockwood said.
“Spending a few minutes now to check your chimney could be one of the most important fire safety actions you take this season, and you can easily check for creosote build-up or obstructions by simply using a torch before lighting a fire.”
