Fire warning despite chill

The recent cold snap has Albany firefighters warning homeowners about becoming complacent when they light fires to keep warm.

Albany Fire and Rescue station officer Dean Symmans said a house fire last week on Seymour Street, which began when a log rolled from an open fire, should be a warning to be aware of the consequences of not taking care during cold winter nights.

"Most incidents we attend are avoidable," he said.

While the brigade has not been overly busy this winter, it was one of two house fires it had attended in two weeks, Mr Symmans said, the other was caused by a gas fire that had the potential to cause much damage to property.

"People need to take care with some of the basics - keep flammables at least 1m away from all fires and heaters, don't leave fires unattended and ensure you have a screen in front of the fireplace, and take care when using appliances for the first time since last winter," he said.

Mr Symmans said electric blankets were a big risk, especially if they were folded while being stored.

"They need to be rolled up, and then when used, turned off when someone is in bed," he said.

"Screens in front of an open fire protect children, as well as preventing the escape of sparks or logs."

Mr Symmans said one of the latest problems that firefighters were becoming more aware of was the taking of gas appliances such as barbecues and camping equipment indoors.

"These can reduce oxygen levels and cause monoxide poisoning," he said.

Other safety precautions for homeowners include keeping hard-wired smoke detectors up to date, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services suggesting they only have a life of 10 years, and replacing batteries every April Fool's Day, making sure the family understands the dangers of unattended candles and not overloading power boards.

Albany Fire and Rescue is supporting the State Government's home fire safety campaign, WinterSafe, which was launched on Monday to remind families about staying safe and preventing fires in their homes.