More than meets the eye

Winter Fire Safety

During the cooler months New Zealand households are 29% more likely to have a fire. As the temperature drops the risk of fire increases with people using their heaters, electric blankets and fireplaces.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Winter Fire Safety Campaign is asking New Zealanders to see a fire before it starts.

“It is important that New Zealanders are vigilant this winter to protect themselves, their home and their family from fire”, Fire and Emergency Community risk manager Dean Harker says.

“We attend a significant number of house fires over the winter months that are caused by heaters, dryers, fireplaces, and electric blankets, all of which could be prevented.

Over the last five years the average number of house fires in June – August by heat source cause were:

1. Failure to clean: (can include dryer, chimney): Fires -426

2. Heat source too close to combustibles: Fires -248

3. Careless disposal of ashes, embers or cigarette: Fires -210.

Fire and Emergency recommends that you keep everything at least one metre away from heaters and fireplaces. If you do have a fireplace, it is a good idea to get your chimney swept before the start of winter.

“Every year in April, our crews attend several chimney fires, many of which the occupier can’t remember the last time their chimney was cleaned.”

For those people getting their electric blankets out of the cupboard and onto their beds it is especially important to check for hotspots.

“We recommend people put their electric blankets on high for 15 minutes, switch them off and then check for any hotspots”, Dean explains.

“If you do feel any hotspots or your electric blanket is over five years old, it is time to replace it.”

People with clothes driers should also be vigilant in making sure they clean out the lint after every cycle. When there is excess lint in the drier it can get very hot and result in a fire. “A lot of the things we are asking people do this winter are pretty easy. So, stay vigilant and keep yourself safe, warm and dry”.

Dean Harker Community Risk Manager Canterbury