WITH people across the Southern Grampians Shire turning to gas heating, wood fires, and electric blankets to beat the winter chill, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) have urged locals to remain fire safe.

Data released by CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) revealed that 72 per cent of fatal house fires start in bedrooms and living areas and 67 per cent occur between 9pm-6am at night, prompting calls for smoke alarms to be installed in every bedroom, living area, and hallway.

With autumn and winter being the highest-risk periods for residential fires in Victoria, the CFA, FRV, and Victorian Government have released a new campaign encouraging people to consider smoke alarms as a bedroom essential.

CFA District Five assistant chief fire officer, Richard Bourke said it was “absolutely critical” that all local households have smoke detectors that are regularly cleaned and checked.

“We’re encouraging folks to check smoke alarms and clean them with the brush on the vacuum cleaner and make sure they’re done on an annual basis,” he said.

“If they’re not hard wired in, people should also check their batteries and make sure they’re changed over every 6 months.

As more people start to light their wood fire heaters, Mr Bourke said it was essential they are cleaned annually to help reduce the risk of house fires.

“It is very important the flue is cleaned before each winter to make sure there aren’t any bird nesting obstructions for example, or a build-up of soot over from last year,” he said.

“The CFA recommend an annual clean of the flue and inspections and that also means cleaning out the fireplace as well.

“Even the build-up of soot can cause an obstruction or even that itself can catch on fire … if people haven’t cleaned their flue from last year and there is a significant built up that’s how you get flue fires.

“Also if it’s an open fire they must have a screen in front because there are opportunities for down draft that may blow embers or burning material into the room in which the fire is.”

Gas heaters should also be checked annually to ensure they are not leaking carbon monoxide and people should remain cautious when using portable heating systems as they can have faulty cords.

Mr Bourke also stressed the importance of checking electric blankets for wire damage, as improper storage in the warmer months can led to damage that causes fires.

“When storing their electric blanket over summer people they may put other things on top of them and sometimes that may cause damage to the wires,” he said.

“It’s recommended they get checked, or if not checked then discarded and replaced.”

Clothes and other fabric materials should be kept at least one metre away from any heat source to prevent them from catching fire, including wet clothes drying on a clothes airer.

For the latest information on smoke alarms visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au.