A working smoke alarm has ensured that a lucky Christmas Hills family were able to escape from a house fire overnight on Sunday (25 June).
Five CFA crews from Christmas Hills and Yarra Glen were called the house on Tanderum Way in the early hours of the morning on Sunday.
The first truck arrived on the scene at 1.05am to find an electric panel heater in one of the bedrooms on fire.
Christmas Hills Fire Brigade Captain Peter Rae said it was important to pay attention to heaters as turning a blind eye, for even a few moments, could have dangerous consequences.
“If you’re ever using a portable heater it’s important to flick it off if you ever leave the room and never leave it unattended,” he said.
“Make sure you know your fire safety plan which outlines what to do in the event of a fire.”
Quick thinking residents did a great job in minimising the damage to the rest of their home.
“The smoke alarm alerted the family to the fire. The residents were then able to close the bedroom door, isolating the fire to one room,” said Mr Rae.
“Although there was significant damage to that one room, this incident could have been a lot worse.
“It is important to remember that only working smoke alarms save lives.”
Mr Rae said all crews worked well under pressure to control the fire.
“There was great cooperation on the fireground between all brigades involved.”
The fire was call under control at 1.25am.
Author: CFA Media