Smoke detectors in bedrooms essential: CFA

While many Victorians do not have working smoke alarms in these locations, a Middle Park couple’s narrow escape from a house fire has served as a reminder of the dangers of fire while people are sleeping.

In early November, Ron Burggraf and Teresa Kuczynska escaped unharmed from their home after a smoke alarm alerted them to a fire.

“My partner and I went to bed as normal, and at about 1am I was woken by a smoke alarm in our upstairs gym sounding,” Mr Burggraf said.

“I went to investigate and found the gym filled with smoke. When I opened the nearby roof space, I was confronted by a massive fire ball.

“There was nothing I could do other than waking my wife, who was still fast asleep in our bedroom, and getting us out.”

While the couple’s smoke alarms met legal requirements, their experience is an example of why firefighters are calling on the community to install additional smoke alarms in all sleeping areas, ensuring early warning is provided during a fire.

“I was lucky to be woken by the faint sound because the smoke alarm was upstairs,” Mr Burggraf said.

“The fire brigade was on scene in around five minutes, but I shudder to think what would have happened to us if I was not woken by the smoke alarm because the fire spread quickly through the roof space, which was in line with our bedroom.

“When we rebuild, we are going to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway.”

Mr Burggraf said he checked their smoke alarms and changed the batteries annually, which proved to be lifesaving.

“It was a horrific experience, and one that stays with you long after the fire has been extinguished,” he said.

“But thankfully we’re alive today because our working smoke alarms woke me.”

A new campaign from CFA, FRV, and the Victorian Government has recently kicked off, encouraging people to consider smoke alarms as a bedroom essential.

The campaign will air across print, radio and social platforms, and promotes the relatively low cost of smoke alarms.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said Victorian firefighters recommended smoke alarms were installed in every bedroom and living area, as well as hallways.

“People lose their sense of smell when they are sleeping, and the carbon monoxide in smoke will put you into a deeper sleep,” Mr Cook said.

“Without a working smoke alarm in bedrooms and living areas, you may not wake up.

“Regardless of what type of smoke alarm is installed, all units should be tested every month, and replaced every 10 years.

“It takes just a few moments to test if your smoke alarm is in working order, but those few moments could save your life.”

Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Michelle Young said people were far more likely to die or be seriously injured if a fire started in their bedroom or living area when they were asleep.

“Within just 60 seconds, a fire can quickly take hold, giving off toxic smoke and spreading rapidly,” Ms Young said.

“Having smoke alarms installed in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas are your best line of defence, alerting you promptly and buying you and your family precious time to escape.”

For the latest information on smoke alarms visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au.