More than 70 per cent of fatal house fires start in bedrooms and living areas, according to data from Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
The data wss released by the fire agencies this week to encourage people to consider additional smoke alarms in bedrooms, living areas and hallways.
Firefighters say installing additional smoke alarms in all sleeping areas ensures that early warning is provided during a fire.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said Victorian firefighters recommend smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom and living area, as well as hallways.
“People lose their sense of smell when they are sleeping, and the carbon monoxide in smoke will put you into a deeper sleep,” he said.
“Without a working smoke alarm in bedrooms and living areas, you may not wake up.
“Regardless of what type of smoke alarm is installed, all units should be tested every month, and replaced
every 10 years.
“It takes just a few moments to test if your smoke alarm is in working order, but those few moments could
save your life.”
Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner Michelle Young said you are far more likely to die or be
seriously injured if a fire started in your bedroom or living area when you were asleep.
“Within just 60 seconds, a fire can quickly take hold, giving off toxic smoke and spreading rapidly,” she said.
“Having smoke alarms installed in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas are your best line of defence,
alerting you promptly and buying you and your family precious time to escape.”
