TFS urges residents to check heaters and electrical goods

Multiple fire fatalities as winter kicks in has prompted authorities to issue a safety warning as Tasmanians try to keep warm.

Resident Todd Kelly with his dog Zahli who he saved from the burning house with his other dog 16 year old Bonnie perishing. House fire at Robbins Place West Moonah where a pet dog of the owner died. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

THE loss of two lives in house fires in Tasmania last week has prompted the Tasmania Fire Service to issue a safety warning as the cold weather sees more fires lit and heaters switched on.

A 90-year-old West Moonah woman died on Wednesday after a wheat-filled heat pack burst into flames in the microwave.

A 61-year-old man died a few days earlier in a Swansea garage he called home.

“Tasmanians have been shocked by the two recent fire fatalities we have had within the past week,” Acting Community Fire Safety Director Chris Collins said.

“These matters are serious and tragic. In winter, the risk of fires in the home increases, particularly as people start to heat their homes, and spend more time indoors.”

But Mr Collins said there were simple steps which could reduce the risk — such as installing smoke alarms, using electrical goods and heaters safely and developing a home fire escape plan.

With an average of 2 ½ fire fatalities per year over the past four years, Tasmania has one of the highest rates of fire fatalities per capita.

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The most common accidental causes of house fires in Tasmania relate to cooking practices, heating, improper use of electrical equipment and electrical faults.

“TFS responds to between 500 and 600 structure fires per year, and while we can go some years without a fire fatality, when they do occur, they affect families, communities, and first responders deeply,’ Mr Collins said.

“We must learn from these tragedies and work together.”

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