Photo: Hillcrest Fire Brigade
A rapid response by CFA firefighters to an intense house fire in Launching Place this morning helped save neighbouring properties from fire.
There were 11 CFA units from Hillcrest, Hoddles Creek, Seville, Yellingbo, Yarra Junction, Bayswater, Wesburn brigades and District 13 HQ that attended the scene.
Firefighters responded at around 7.45am and arrived on scene to find a single structure significantly impacted by fire.
Incident Controller and Hillcrest 2nd Lieutenant Brianna Woolf said CFA crews first conducted an external fire attack on the structure before it was safe to deploy two qualified breathing apparatus members inside for internal fire attack.
“The occupant was able to safely self-evacuate with their dog upon our arrival on scene,” he said.
“The house was almost completely destroyed, but our external attack prevented the fire from travelling and impacting other properties.”
The scene was declared under control at around 8.30am.
Firefighters declared the scene safe at 9.05am and crews remained on scene for some time checking for hot spots and conducting blacking out operations.
“All members worked together phenomenally, and it was a good result considering the circumstances,” 2nd Lt Woolf said.
“A big pat on the back to all firefighters on scene.”
Fire investigators deemed the cause to be from an external reverse cycle air conditioning unit.
“It’s a good reminder to ensure that all heating and air conditioning units inside and around your home have adequate ventilation,” 2nd Lt Woolf said.
“Furthermore, ensure any possessions that could be potential fire hazards, such as gas cylinders, are stored safely and consider storing them away from the main property structure if not in use.
“In the case of a fire inside your home, it can make our job easier and safer.”
Smoke alarm tips:
- Victorian fire services recommend additional smoke alarms are installed in every hallway, living area and bedroom.
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
- Legislation requires smoke alarms to be installed outside every sleeping area and on each level of a house.
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
- All smoke alarms, including 240v hardwired, should be replaced every 10 years.
- Fire services also recommend the use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year lithium battery.
- Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly as per the manufacturer’s guide, by pressing the test button on the alarm and wait for the test alarm to sound.
- Smoke alarms should be cleaned at least once a year with a duster or vacuum cleaner to remove particles that will affect smoke alarm performance.
Photo: Hillcrest Fire Brigade-
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