No-one was harmed in the blaze but state fire services have said it’s a stark reminder to adopt fire-safe habits and reduce potential hazards.
On average, Victorian fire services attend to more than 3000 residential fire incidents across the state, many of which are preventable.
Fire Rescue Victoria commissioner Gavin Freeman said Victorians should be wary of overloaded power boards, phone and laptop chargers and electric blankets.
“Electrical hazards in the home are a common cause for house fires these days, but you can greatly reduce your risk by taking some simple safety measures,” Mr Freeman said.
The commissioner said Victorians should never charge a phone overnight, overload powerboards or leave equipment like hair dryers on soft services.
Mr Freeman also reminded Victorians to check their residential heating systems.
“Take the time to service your ducted heating and clean your rangehood and oven regularly, prevention is the best policy when it comes to fire safety,” he said.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Berwick fire was a reminder to residents to check their appliances were in good working order with good air-flow around them.
“Using damaged or faulty electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire, so please, play it safe, and only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair faulty appliances,” Mr Heffernan said.
“No-one thinks a house fire is going to happen to them, but CFA attended 137 electrical fires last year and we’ve already responded to 84 this year.”
To prevent an electrical fire, Victoria’s fire services have given the following tips:
• using damaged electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire. Only use appliances in good working order;
• turn off all electrical appliances at the power point when not in use and ensure your home office is set up safely;
• don’t use double adaptors;
• only use power boards according to manufacturers’ instructions, never overload or have loose cables, and check regularly for damage;
• ensure monitors, laptops, televisions and other equipment have good air-flow around them and are not in confined spaces or covered;
• only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair damaged/faulty electrical appliances, wiring or equipment;
• do not charge electrical devices like phones and laptops on soft surfaces such as couches and beds; and
• if you are going away on holiday, make sure to turn off power to electrical appliances and let a neighbour know you are away.
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