A fresh fire warning from local CFA agencies as we start turning on the heaters and electric blankets during winter.
Locals are being encouraged to take the time to check appliances are in good working order, and there is good air flow around them.
There were morethan 5,100 structure fires across Victorian in the 2022/23 financial year, including house fires.
Electrical fires are common in the home, with fire authorities urging residents not to put electrical devices such as laptops or hair straighteners on soft surfaces.
Geelong CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brendan Lawson said the most important thing to have in the home was a working smoke alarm.
“Only a working smoke alarm will give you protection,” he said.
“We are encouraging everyone to have smoke alarms in all the living areas and bedrooms.”
