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17 August, 2023

CFA warns of electrical fire risks

Victoria’s fire services are urging households to be wary of the risk of electrical fires at home by keeping their appliances well maintained. A recent fire in the outer suburbs of Melbourne caused by a dryer engulfed the entire house, with the...

By Maryborough Advertiser

Electrical fires can quickly turn into a blaze and consume a house, the CFA have warned.
Electrical fires can quickly turn into a blaze and consume a house, the CFA have warned.

Victoria’s fire services are urging households to be wary of the risk of electrical fires at home by keeping their appliances well maintained.

A recent fire in the outer suburbs of Melbourne caused by a dryer engulfed the entire house, with the residents escaping unharmed.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the fire is a relatable reminder to residents to check their appliances are in good working order with good air flow around them.

“Using damaged or faulty electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire, so please, play it safe, and only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair faulty appliances,” he said.

“No one thinks a house fire is going to happen to them, but CFA attended 137 electrical fires last year and we’ve already responded to 84 this year.

“To prevent a fire from igniting, take the time to check your home office is set up safely, with no loose cables, overloaded power boards or double adaptors and switch off any appliances at the wall when they’re not being used.”

To keep your home safe the CFA recommends:

• Do not charge electrical devices like phones and laptops on soft surfaces such as couches and beds.
• Turn off all electrical appliances at the power point when not in use and ensure your home office is set up safely.
• Don’t use double adaptors.
• Only use power boards according to manufacturers’ instructions, never overload or have loose cables, and check regularly for damage.
• Ensure monitors, laptops, televisions and other equipment have good air flow around them and are not in confined spaces or covered.
• If you are going away on holiday, make sure to turn off power to electrical appliances and let a neighbour know you are away.

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