Queensland Fire and Emergency Services reveal why Toowoomba is a winter house fire hotspot

Toowoomba is among the state’s top regions for house fires during the colder months. Here’s what you need to do to stay safe and protect yourself this winter.

Toowoomba has been revealed as a winter house fire hotspot, with fireys responding to well above the state average of major house fires once the mercury starts to dip.

According to data from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, firefighters responded to 16 accidental house fires per 1000 dwellings in Toowoomba over the past sevens years that saw the fire go beyond the room or origin.

In comparison the Queensland average for the same time period was only 9.5 fires per 1000 dwellings.

QFES data has also revealed that in the past five years firefighters attended 121 residential structure fires during winter in Toowoomba, compared to 85 in summer, 81 in autumn and 87 in spring.

The data also shows last year fire services attended 26 residential house fires in winter, the highest in five years.

QFES Toowoomba Anzac Ave station officer Rob Andrews said fire crews were more active across the region during winter.

“We have had recent fire activity throughout the region, and historically speaking winter is a busier period for us attending house fires,” he said.

“This winter has been a lot colder than previous winters, we’ve had pretty mild winters the last couple of years but so far this year it’s been pretty much as per the stats.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services firefighters Dan Adamson and Rachel Dove at Toowoomba's Anzac Ave Fire Station promoting fire safety this winter.

Mr Andrews said while the cold weather was one reason behind the rise in house fires, it wasn’t the only reason Toowoomba is a house fire hotspot.

“People want to keep their houses warm so they’re using their fireplaces and heating devices, so we do encourage everyone to get those fireplaces and heaters checked every year,” he said.

“The other factor is how the houses are built. We have a lot of older style houses here in Toowoomba so we want people to be mindful (their homes) may be built from timber and full of combustible material.

“We want people to be mindful of where they live and keep themselves safe.”

Firefighters Rachel Dove and Dan Adamson at Toowoomba's Anzac Ave Fire Station promoting fire safety this winter.

Fire safety tips:

• Store electric heaters and blankets properly, check or any damage prior to use and have appliances inspected by a qualified electrician regularly. Roll electric blankets to avoid damage. Do no use any appliance with damaged or frayed electrical wires.

• With about half of all house fires starting in the kitchen do not leave any cooking unattended. Have a fire blanket and extinguisher close by.

• Check and test smoke alarms regularly, and at least once a month clean the alarm to remove any dust that may affect the alarm’s operation.

• Do not overload power boards and turn off any overheating battery chargers.

• If there is a fire, evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible, and have an alternative means of escape. Once outside, stay outside. Have a central meeting place so that once fire services arrive they can prioritise resources if a person is missing.

• To book a free Safe Home visit from QFES firefighters to inspect the fire safety of your home call 13 74 68 or visit the Safe Home website.

For more details, visit the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website.