House fire a warning of home heating fire safety risk

As temperatures drop, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA are reminding Victorians to keep flammable items away from heaters and fireplaces after a recent house fire in Cannon’s Creek.

The warning comes after firefighters responded to reports of a fire at a property on Bluff Road on Sunday 3 May this year after a decorative wax candle was left on top of a wood fired heater.

The heat from the appliance caused the candle to melt before it ignited and began producing smoke. The homeowner initially attempted to extinguish the fire by placing a wet towel over the top, but the towel also caught alight, creating a significant amount of smoke throughout the living area.

All occupants safely evacuated the home and called Triple Zero (000).

Five fire trucks attended the incident at 7.41pm, with the scene deemed safe at 8.02pm. Fortunately, serious injuries were avoided, though one occupant was treated for smoke inhalation by Ambulance Victoria.

Combined data from FRV and CFA shows firefighters responded to more than 175 incidents attributed to failing or malfunctioning heating systems across Victoria in the 2024-25 Financial Year. Fire services are also reminding residents that items placed too close to heaters can quickly ignite or create dangerous smoke inside the home.

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.

FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety and Operational Training Joshua Fischer said the winter months were the peak time for heater fires.

“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. However, residents should know that we are also about to enter the peak period for fires started by heaters,” Josh said.

“We want Victorians to be aware that making a check on the condition of their heaters and heating systems before they use them could make a potentially life-saving difference to them and their family.

“Heaters should be regularly cleaned and checked by a certified technician. If you’re drying clothes, you need to ensure that there’s at least a one metre distance from the heating source.”

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," Garry 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.

“The house fire at Cannon’s Creek is a timely reminder that heaters, fireplaces and other heat sources need to be kept clear of anything that can burn. Thankfully in this instance, serious injuries were avoided, but the fire safety risks are very real.

“Victorians are urged to keep their heating devices well-maintained and remember that interconnected smoke alarms with 10-year long-life batteries located in all bedrooms and living areas of the home can save lives.”

When it comes to home heating, FRV and CFA recommends:

• Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all home heating devices.
• Children must be supervised 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 the safety of loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
• Ensure home heating, 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.