House fires prompt warning

RESIDENTS have been warned to check on their fireplaces and heating appliances after fire crews were called to two separate home fires that could have ended in disaster.

About 4.40pm on Tuesday, multiple Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews were called to a house fire on Bloodwood Avenue in Millmerran Woods.

A QFES spokesman said while the home’s occupants had extinguished the fire, it had spread from its origin in a brick fireplace into the wall cavity and into the ceiling space.

Two teams in breathing apparatus entered the home to extinguish the fire, and crews left by 7.40pm.

Then at 11.12pm, QFES crews were called to a home on Cooper Avenue, Oakey, after a fire had started in the bathroom area of the house.

All occupants of the house were accounted for, and the fire was quickly extinguished

South Western Region zone commander Superintendent Warren Buckley said the suspected cause of the fire was a gas cylinder heater in the bathroom.

Superintendent Buckley said both incidents could have been far worse and called on residents to be careful when using heaters and fireplaces.

“We get several house fires every year over winter, and it’s not over yet, so we expect a few more to come with a few more weeks of cool weather to come,” he said.

“It’s important to remain vigilant with heating appliances and fireplaces. Just because nothing has happened it’s still important to take a look now and make sure your fireplace or heater is in good condition and working order.”

Superintendent Buckley said anything with an open flame could run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when used in a confined space, and gas cylinders should only be used outdoors in a well-ventilated space.

For more details on safety www.qfes.qld.gov.aiu