June 5, 2015
Firefighters are reminding South Burnett residents to be careful when working in the most fire-prone area of their homes – the kitchen.
QFES North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner John Bolger said the kitchen was the starting point for the majority of Queensland house fires.
“Kitchen fires are particularly dangerous as they have the potential to start and spread quickly throughout the house in minutes,” Mr Bolger said.
“Last year, around 225 house fires were caused by cooking equipment during the winter months, that’s more than two fires starting in the kitchen every day across the State, during this period.
“North Coast Region had 33 kitchen fires during the winter months in 2014 and we would like to see that number drop this year.
“Cooking fires are the most common cause of all house fires. They can start from seemingly harmless everyday appliances like toasters, microwaves and stoves, and have devastating consequences.”
Mr Bolger said there were plenty of ways to reduce fire risk while working in the kitchen.
“Never leave cooking unattended and always supervise children in the kitchen,” he said.
“Never use water to extinguish fat or oil fires.
“Always clear away food crumbs and scraps from cooking appliances after use and keep electrical appliances away from water and open flames.
“All residents should have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket accessible in the kitchen and know how to use them.
“Residents should also check their smoke alarms are in good working order by testing and cleaning them every month.
“If a kitchen fire does occur and can’t be safely put out, residents are urged to switch off the appliance if they can, leave immediately, and call Triple Zero (000) from a safe place.
“Under no circumstance should you re-enter the house.
“Of the 15 people who died in house fires in 2014, nine lost their lives in winter and it is our goal to put a freeze on fire fatalities.”
QFES offers a free service to assist residents with fire safety around their home.
- To book a Safehome visit, call 13-74-68 or visit the QFES website
