July 15, 2014
Firefighters are urging Queenslanders to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent house fires this winter after four fatal house fires last week.
There is often a rise in house fires in winter, many due to electrical faults in heaters and other appliances.
QFES Commissioner Lee Johnson said last winter there had been 139 house fires in the State with no fatalities, however house fires in Labrador, Middle Park, Mt Isa and Port Douglas this week had each claimed a life.
“These unfortunate circumstances lead me to remind everyone around the State to take action today and make sure we keep this number to a minimum,” Mr Johnson said.
“Take the time to test your smoke alarms, revise your evacuation plans with your family and check and test your heaters and other electrical appliances, including dryers and electric blankets.
“Never go to sleep with these appliances on and take particular care with your cooking, as well as lit fireplaces and candles.”
These four deaths, which are all still subject to investigation, bring the number of fire fatalities in Queensland so far this year to 11.
In comparison, there were 14 house fire fatalities for the whole of 2013, and nine in 2012.
The number in 2011 was 28, including the large-scale tragedies at Slacks Creek (where 11 people died) and Tewantin (where four people died). The totals for 2010 and 2009 were seven and nine respectively.
“While tragic accidents do happen, there are a number of preventative measures that everyone can take to ensure their home is as safe as possible to avoid fatalities and give yourself the best chance of survival in the event of a house fire,” Mr Johnson said.
“I ask all Queenslanders to think seriously about what action they can take to ensure the house fire death toll does not continue to rise.”
- More winter fire safety information is available online
