A house blaze in Broadmeadows last week was an early warning of the new fire season, even though outdoor restrictions won’t be lifted in Hume and Whittlesea until the start of May.
Last Sunday’s end to daylight saving was the signal for the annual message urging people to change the batteries on household smoke alarms and make sure they’re all working.
It also signals the start of the winter fire season as people use gas and other fuel heaters for the first time since last year.
A family of eight was unhurt last week when the top floor of its weatherboard home in Walsh Street, Broadmeadows, burst into flames about 1.45am.
A passing motorist noticed the blaze and banged on the door to alert the residents. The mother, father and six children aged between two and 17 were evacuated safely.
Police helped find the family temporary housing. It took 22 firefighters and six fire trucks to bring the fire under control.
Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) firefighters remained at the scene overnight to monitor conditions and the following day’s investigation found “improperly disposed hot coals” as the cause of the fire.
The top floor of the home was severely burnt and the lower level damaged by smoke and water.
The MFB’s community resilience director and assistant chief fire officer, Rob Purcell, said more than 3500 house fires around Victoria last year resulted in 13 fatalities and $88 million in property losses.
The MFB and CFA recommend households:
• Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button with a broom handle;
• Vacuum around smoke alarm vents annually;
• Replace alarm batteries at the end of daylight saving; and
• Replace the smoke alarm every 10 years.
