General News
30 June, 2026
Findings about “saving lives”
A Victorian coroner has emphasised powerboard safety following an investigation into a deadly house fire in Carisbrook.
A Victorian coroner has warned the community about powerboard safety after investigating a deadly house fire in Carisbrook.
Chris Shaw, best known for his volunteer work with Goldfields FM, died in a house fire on Church Street in July last year.
Coroner Leveasque Peterson said the fire likely started due to an electrical fault with a powerboard in the sunroom.
“Christopher’s death is yet another tragic reminder of the dangers associated with electrical faults in power boards, particularly when overused or overloaded,” she said.
The report found there were multiple electronics in the room, including computers that were “on all the time”, connected to a powerboard under a desk.
Victoria Police forensic officer Kristen Cameron said the powerboard had melted with numerous electronics still connected.
“The pattern of burning and fire damage indicated that the fire started around the desk in the sun room and spread to the other rooms of the house,” she said.
Ms Peterson’s findings identified broader safety concerns in homes across the state.
The Coroners Prevention Unit identified 26 deaths since January 1, 2015, where an electrical fault was the confirmed cause.
In five of those deaths, including Chris’, a powerboard was the cause of the fault.
Fire Rescue Victoria found the rate of fires caused by powerboards between June 2024 and January 2026 was 3.6 per month.
“Fires due to power boards occur indiscriminately and can have catastrophic consequences. They are, however, easily preventable,” Ms Peterson said.
Community members are encouraged to avoid overloading powerboards with devices, having untidy cords and wires, connecting multiple extension cords or powerboards together, or using old or damaged electronics.
Instead they should purchase from reputable brands, check and replace damaged equipment, consider replacing older electronics, and report any safety concerns.
However, most important in Ms Peterson’s view, was purchasing electrical goods that have the Regulatory Compliance Mark.
This ensures that the product complies with relevant safety standards and requirements.
“I am hopeful that a continued effort to inform Victorians on the dangers of electrical appliances and power boards in particular may lead to a reduction in tragic residential fires, injuries and/or deaths that occur as a result,” she said.
CFA Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins said the community shouldn’t be complacent with electronics.
He encouraged everyone to consider the coroner’s findings in their own home.
“It’s all about saving lives,” he said.
