Following the release of data gathered by CFA, a new advertising campaign was launched on Thursday by Metropolitan Fire Brigade and CFA featuring people sleeping, while dangerous smoke filled the room.
District 22 operations manager Tony Owen said results showed bedroom fires were the most likely to cause death or serious injury due to the reduced ability to smell and detect smoke when sleeping.
While previous recommendations only suggested having smoke alarms fitted in the hallway, Mr Owen said they were urging people to have a smoke alarm in every bedroom of the house.
“As many Victorians sleep with their doors closed, if a fire was to start inside their bedroom, by the time the smoke alarm has gone off in the hallway it is already too late,” he said.
“A smoke alarm is the only thing that will alert you to the danger present. Having a smoke alarm in your bedroom will ensure you can sleep safely.”
With statistics showing that bedrooms were the most common place for a fire to start, Mr Owen hoped people would take the advice on board to see the number of fatalities and injuries reduce.
“Across CFA territory over the past decade we have had 22 fatalities and 117 serious injuries as a consequence of fires starting in the bedroom.”
He said people needed to act fast.
“I would encourage all people in Shepparton to act now, because you never know when tragedy will strike. It’s a small thing that may save your life or your family members life.”
Mr Owen said residents were also reminded to regularly test, clean and replace the batteries of their smoke alarms to make sure they were working properly.