At approximately 2:40am on Tuesday 19th of February CFA crews from both Mt Eliza and Mornington were called out to a house fire on Narrung Rd Mt Eliza.
On scene, fire fighters found smoke and flames issuing from a single storey brick house. From the room of origin, fire had spread through to neighbouring rooms and flames had risen in excess of 10 meters above the roof, dropping embers onto nearby properties.
The quick response of the 15 fire-fighters allowed the fire, which appeared to have started in a child’s bedroom, to be contained to less than 25% of the home. Mt Eliza’s Pumper and Tanker responded as well as Mornington Pumper and FCV. Of the 15 fire fighters, 5 members donned breathing apparatus. Crews remained on scene for several hours blacking out and conducting ventilation and overhaul.
The remainder of the home suffered severe smoke damage, however a working smoke detector was what helped the family of 5 escape their smoke filled home. Without the alarm, the damage may have been much more severe. Lt C. Nicholson of Mt Eliza stated that “a working smoke detector was crucial in alerting the family to the fire that was quickly developing; it serves as a reminder to everyone to ensure they are checked regularly”. All occupants had escaped before crews arrived on scene without injury.
Author: Brett Nicholson