How to avoid the 5 most common causes of house fires

Almost all common fires can be avoided with the correct equipment, fire safety knowledge and effective training.

House fires can be very easy to start and very hard to put out. As we’ve seen with the recent bush fires, Australia’s hot summer months teamed with our dry weather are the ideal conditions for a fire to cause real damage. Here are five main causes of fires in Australia:

1. Cooking equipment.

Pots and pan often catch alight if left unattended, leading to the spread of fire. If you’re cooking, always remain in the room, and never ever leave your home, under any circumstances.

2. Heating equipment.

Portable heating equipment emanates extreme heat and causes intense fires. It should therefore be kept at least a metre away from clothing, curtains, furniture or anything that could possibly catch alight.

3. Smoking in bed.

Even today, cigarettes are still one of the largest causes of fires. They can remain alight for hours even after being put out, finding their way to household combustibles. Never smoke inside and always ensure cigarettes are completely out.

4. Electrical equipment.

Power points are a large hazard. They can become overloaded with adapters, leading to the overuse of electricity, while extension cords can cause fires if not used appropriately. Other kinds of appliances, like toasters, also become faulty over time, eventually creating fire hazards. If your appliances are old or damaged, it may be time to invest in newer, safer ones.

5. Candles.

While candles look nice set the mood, they’re a common fire starter. If you’re lighting a candle, keep it far from any flammable items, like books, tissues or curtains, and lever leave it unattended.

Smoke Alarms Help Save Lives

Homes can burn to the ground in less than 15 minutes.

Early warning alarms like interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms can give you and your family the best chance of escape.

We only use Clipsal smoke alarms which are of the highest quality, meeting all relevant Australian Standards.

Clipsal Fire Tek® alarms are audited and tested annually to carry the 5 Ticks mark of quality assurance from SAI Global.

Photoelectric Alarms

A smoldering fire is the most common and high-risk fire in the home. Clipsal Fire Tek® Photoelectric smoke alarms reliably detect smoke from such fires, before it becomes flaming and potentially impossible to escape.

Interconnected Smoke Alarms

The Clipsal Fire Tek® smoke alarm can be interconnected wired or wirelessly. This ensures if one alarm detects smoke, all alarms activate. Providing greater warning if far away from detecting alarm in larger homes or bedrooms.

Why is maintenance so important?

Smoke alarms are an important safety device in the home designed to give early warning of a fire, so residents have enough time to escape safely.

It’s very important to ensure smoke alarms are always working properly. Like other electrical accessories in the home, smoke alarms require maintenance to ensure efficient and effective operation.

Proper maintenance can also reduce the likelihood of any false alarms.

How to maintain your smoke alarm

Every month: Test your smoke alarm using the test/hush button and check the batteries with mains power switched off. Clean the alarm by removing dust and insects.
Every 3 months: Vacuum your smoke alarm. Spray insect repellent on a cloth and wipe the ceiling around the smoke alarm. Test the smoke alarm after cleaning.
Every Year: Replace the back-up battery annually. Choose a recurring date that’s easy to remember (birthdays, end/start of daylight saving).
Every 10 Years: All smoke alarms have a limited service life of 10 years. After that period, the entire smoke alarm unit must be replaced with a new one.