The weather is cooling down and house fire incidents are heating up, leading authorities to issue a warning to South Australians to check their household winter appliances.
The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) has attended 11 incidents across the state this year, resulting in around $1.1 million worth of damage, compared to eight fires linked to electric or gas heaters, combustion heaters and fireplaces at the same time last year.
In 2024, MFS and CFS crews attended a total 47 related blazes – an increase of more than 50 per cent on the previous year.
In the past month alone, firefighters have responded to house fires in Woodville South, caused by a combustion heater sparking a blaze that spread to the roof, Happy Valley caused by an outdoor heater under a pergola, and Morphett Vale, caused by combustible materiel being left near a heater.
Each fire caused significant damage to the properties and put lives at risk.
South Australians are urged to have their combustion heaters, flues and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year to keep them in good working order and avoid embers sparking a fire.
Other heater safety tips include:
- Keeping combustible items like clothes, bedding, furniture and curtains well clear of heaters – ideally a minimum of 2m.
- If clothes need to be dried inside, using a clothes airer in a room with no heater but a good air flow.
- Ensuring any heating equipment is installed by a qualified tradesperson and regularly maintained.
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Checking for signs of wear and tear before use and replacing as needed.
Fatal house fires are more common during sleeping hours of the cooler months, June to August, highlighting the need for all households to prepare this winter.
A working smoke alarm is crucial for giving early warnings of fire, providing the time needed to safely evacuate from the property.
Fire-related deaths often result from smoke inhalation and toxic fire gases rather than direct contact with flames and heat.
MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann said it was part of the service’s duty to actively educate the community in fire prevention and awareness.
"An uncontrolled fire has the potential to engulf a room within three to four minutes, creating thick, toxic smoke," Mr Swann said.
"Installing working smoke alarms throughout your home offers early warning of a fire, providing the best opportunity to keep yourself and your family safe."
Acting CFS Chief Officer Paul Seager said firefighters responded to hundreds of house fires across South Australia each year.
"Never leave a fire or heater unattended, ensure all open flames and heaters are fully extinguished or turned off before going to bed or leaving the house," Mr Seager said.
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