With the cooler weather arriving with force recently, one Tatura household had a lucky escape when bedlinen drying in front of a wood heater quickly became engulfed in flames on June 1.
The fire burned through blankets before hitting the floor and spreading into the living room.
The family were alerted to a fire in their home thanks to their newly installed smoke alarms.
Tatura Fire Brigade captain and incident controller Peter Bevan hoped this common incident reminded people to keep items drying at least one metre away from all heating sources.
“The family had only headed outside to the back shed for an hour before they heard the smoke alarms going off,” Mr Bevan said.
“They couldn’t see any smoke or flames until it started coming through the air conditioning swamp cooler on the roof, which is initially what they had thought caught fire.
“Once the clothes horse had fallen on the floor, the flames travelled right across the room into a cupboard where the switchboard was and then made its way up into the ceiling.
“There is extensive damage to the living area, and the curtains and carpets are all destroyed.
“The smoke managed to affect 80 per cent of the house.
“To set the scene more clearly for people, the radiant heat alone was so strong, it blew out a couple of the glass windows in the kitchen.”
Fire Rescue Victoria FRV and CFA responded to more than 150 heater fires between May 2024 and March 2025, with sleeping and living areas the most common room of fire ignition for incidents that result in serious injuries or death.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said this was just one example of how leaving portable heaters and fireplaces unattended could have distressing impacts in a matter of moments.
“We are so pleased the family had just installed working smoke alarms to alert them to safety,” he said.
“It is really important all households have them in every bedroom, hallway and living area to ensure you have enough time to safely evacuate.
“It goes without saying, but please reconsider where you place your washing to dry.
“It’s a popular set-up to place them near our heaters and wood fires, but a mistake that can be easily avoided.”
When it comes to home heating, CFA and FRV recommend:
Drying clothes and other items that can burn must be kept at least one metre away from all heat sources.
Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire.
Children must be supervised near all types of heating.
Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended; turn off heaters and make sure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room 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.
If you suspect a fault in a heater, have it serviced or replaced immediately. Replace old portable heaters with models that incorporate automatic cut-out, thermostat control and anti-roll features.
Ensure home heating, including flues and chimneys, is regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.
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