Older city homes a fire risk over winter

BY MICK ROBERTS

With the arrival of winter, the NSW Fire Brigades is calling on city residents to assess their existing fire safety arrangements and prepare for the most dangerous time of the year for home fires.
Newtown Fire Brigade’s Ben Gaudin said winter is the peak season for home fires and people needed to take some precautionary steps to protect their families and homes.
Mr Gaudin, a level one firefighter from Marrickville, says fire fighting is a rewarding profession. The 26-year-old has recently been stationed at Newtown where he says he enjoys working with the team.
‘Now winter is here, people will be using electrical, heating and lighting appliances and these households goods, if not properly maintained and used, can significantly increase the risk of fire,’ he said.
Mr Gaudin said many older homes ‘ especially older inner-city terraces ‘ have an increase chance of electrical fires.
‘The increase in the electrical usage for heating in the winter months can overload the circuit and wiring in older houses,’ he said.
He said many of the older homes in the area had fire places that needed a screen in front when in use, and to be cleaned and inspected.
Many fires are also caused by people drying clothes over electrical heaters. ‘Never place clothing, bedding and curtains in close proximity to portable heaters and fire places,’ he said.
‘Ensure they are over a metre away.’
Mr Gaudin said electric blankets are one of the main fire risks, as over the warmer months they collect dust because of lack of use, causing the circuiting to clog with dust and the possibility of ‘shorting’ and over-heating.
The introduction of compulsory smoke detectors have saved lives, Mr Gaudin said, as they have allowed the evacuation of premises before fires take hold and spread.
‘It has allowed us to be notified faster and to get there faster,’ he said.
‘It helps people to self evacuate sooner before the fire becomes uncontrollable. It saves not only lives, but it save their homes and belongings as well.’
Mr Gaudin said have at least one smoke alarm on each level of the home and make sure they are working by testing them monthly and changing the batteries at least once a year.
Also the Fire Brigade recommends a home escape plan and rehearsal.
In an emergency call 000, and never assume someone else has done so, Mr Gaudin said.