MELTON ranks among the state’s worst areas for preventable fires at residential properties, new figures reveal.
CFA data released last week shows there were 51 preventable fires in Melton in the six months to June, behind only Casey (83) and Greater Geelong (68).
House fires caused more than $1.5 million of damage to Melton properties in that period.
Eleven fires were recorded in Moorabool, causing $567,400 of damage.
Melton CFA senior station officer Jayson Hirt said two preventable fires in the past fortnight stemmed from residents leaving cooking unattended. He said another common cause of house blazes was clothing left to dry in front of heaters.
“We have had a variety of causes including children with lighters or matches, cooking in kitchens, electrical faults or overloaded power boards, and wood heaters,” he said.
“We are hoping that the number of house fires drops as people adjust to the colder conditions.”
Across the state, there were 975 preventable fires in CFA areas, causing damage estimated at $34.3 million.
CFA’s north-west metro region had 30 residential fires in the first month of winter, with Melton and Wyndham recording the highest number of fires with seven and 13 respectively.
CFA community safety manager David Allen said everyone had to take responsibility to protect their house against fire this winter.
“Just a few simple steps, such as always keeping an eye on the cooking, can help prevent fire in your home,” he said.
“Prevent these fires by checking your electrical appliances for visibly broken or worn wiring and make sure your smoke alarm is working.”
