A working smoke alarm has saved the lives and home of an Aspendale family of five.
Firefighters were called to the house fire on Tarongo Road at 11.26pm on Monday 18 November after the home’s smoke alarm woke the family, alerting them to a fire which had ignited on a child’s mattress.
The family immediately evacuated their home with their two dogs and called Triple Zero (000).
Crews from Edithvale and Patterson arrived on scene and inspected the upstairs bedroom to find a bed alight.
After subduing the fire, firefighters carried the affected mattress downstairs where it was completely extinguished on the front lawn of the property.
Crews used positive pressure ventilation and air monitoring equipment to alleviate the risk of smoke inhalation and ensure the family could reoccupy the home.
Edithvale Captain Graham Fountain said the incident was another example of how working smoke alarms save lives.
“This incident was textbook example of what you should do when confronted with a fire in your home,” Mr Fountain said.
“Immediately evacuate, notify Triple Zero (000), account for everyone and wait outside for the fire brigade to arrive.
"Without a working smoke alarm fitted inside the home, the incident could have been an absolute tragedy.”
Smoke alarm tips:
- Smoke alarms should be installed in bedrooms and all living areas, where most fatal fires start.
- Each month, test smoke alarms by pressing the test button.
- Each year, vacuum all smoke alarms to clean the vents, and change batteries in any battery-operated alarms.
- After 10 years, replace smoke alarms regardless of the type.
- Install a smoke alarm in all bedrooms and living areas, including hallways and stairs.
- Get a smoke alarms powered by a 10-year lithium battery so you don’t need to change the battery every year.
- Consider getting interconnected smoke alarms, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.