Family of man killed in Alfredton house fire petition for expanded smoke alarm regulations

The family of a man who died in a house fire at a rented Ballarat property has called for the swift expansion of smoke alarm safety rules to prevent further devastation and ensure he didn’t die “in vain”.

Simon Peter Scarff was killed in a fire in at his rented home in Alfredton on February 12, 2022. Photo: change.org

The family of a man who died in a house fire at a rented Ballarat property which lacked a smoke alarm has called for the swift expansion of safety rules to prevent further devastation.

More than 5000 people have signed a petition started by a relative of Simon Peter Scarff, a 52-year-old who died at his Alfredton unit on February 12, 2022.
A coronial investigation found Mr Scarff’s unit had no smoke alarm, despite one being required by law.

The remains of the fire in Alfredton. Photo: Ballarat News Team.

There had been several inspections by a Ballarat real estate agent prior to the fire and the property owner claimed an alarm had been previously set up.

The real estate agent was not, however, required to ensure alarms were correctly installed and in working condition because Mr Scarff’s lease began before March 29, 2021.

“The absence of a working smoke alarm may have been identified if the safety activity was required by law,” Mr Scarff’s sibling Therese Miyungi wrote on her petition.

“We, Si’s family, believe a working smoke alarm would have alerted him to the fire sooner, giving him precious minutes or seconds to possibly escape.”

Mr Scarff. Photo: change.org

In findings released in October 2023, Coroner Paul Lawrie recommended changes to legislation so that safety-related rules pursuant upon rental providers would apply to earlier tenancy agreements.

Ms Miyungi’s petition aims to encourage Government Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams to take action in accordance with Mr Lawrie’s advice.

“...Please help us increase protections so that Si’s death isn’t in vain,” Ms Miyungi wrote.

A government spokesman said the coroner’s report and recommendations were being “carefully considered”.

More to come.