Fire authorities are sending a warning to Victorians ahead of winter to keep flammable items away from heaters and fireplaces.
The joint Fire Rescue Victoria and CFA message comes after a fire at a Cannon’s Creek home earlier this month, which was started by a wax candle that was left on top of a wood heater.
The appliance’s heat melted the candle before it ignited and began producing smoke.
The homeowner first tried to put the fire out by placing a wet towel over it, but the towel also caught alight, which created a significant amount of smoke throughout the living area.
The occupants managed to safely evacuate and call 000; however, one of them required treatment for smoke inhalation by Ambulance Victoria.
Five fire trucks attended the May 3 incident.
Combined data from both fire authorities shows firefighters responded to more than 175 incidents believed to have been caused by failing or malfunctioning heating systems across Victoria in the 2024-25 financial year.
Home heating systems can include fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, portable electrical, gas or kerosene heaters, as well as open fires and wood heaters.
Firefighters are also reminding residents that items placed too close to heaters can quickly ignite or create dangerous smoke inside the home.
“While we are not yet in winter, many of us are feeling the recent drop in temperatures and are already looking to keep our homes warm,” FRV Deputy Commissioner community safety and operational training Joshua Fischer said.
“Residents should know that we are also about to enter the peak period for fires started by heaters.”
He urged people to check the condition of their heating systems before firing them up, saying the act could potentially save their or their family’s life.
“Heaters should be regularly cleaned and checked by a certified technician,” Mr Fischer said.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said it was vital to never place items that might catch fire on or near heating appliances.
“It’s critical that heaters and fireplaces are kept well clear of anything that can burn, including candles, clothing, furniture and other household items," Mr Cook said.
“During the colder months, it’s easy to get into the habit of turning on heaters or heating systems and forgetting about them, but it’s actually critical that portable heaters are never left unattended and turned off before leaving home or going to sleep.
“Equally important is ensuring that children are always supervised around sources of heating and kept at a safe distance.”
Mr Cook also reminded residents that interconnected smoke alarms with 10-year long-life batteries located in all bedrooms and living areas of homes saved lives.
Winter safety tips from FRV and CFA
Drying clothes and other items should be at least one metre away from all heating devices.
Supervise children near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended; turn off heating devices and extinguish open fires before leaving home or going to sleep.
Residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure safety from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
Ensure home heating sources, including flues and chimneys, are regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.
Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire.
Check that embers are cold before disposal.
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