Heater warning after fire damages residential unit - Parramatta
Published: 21 Sep 2022 02:18pm
Investigations by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have revealed a blaze which damaged a Parramatta unit was caused by the misuse of an electric stove as a makeshift heater.
Around 11:45am today, emergency services were called to Lansdowne Street where they found smoke pouring from a second-level unit.
The fire took hold inside a bedroom of the unit. Fortunately, the residents and their neighbours made it out safely.
Firefighters extinguished the flames, containing the damage to the unit the fire had started in.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated two elderly residents for minor smoke inhalation and transported them to hospital.
FRNSW understands the occupants had been running portable electric hot plates to try to keep themselves warm. The radiant heat ignited a blanket which they had draped over a nearby table.
Supt Adam Dewberry says this is a timely reminder to all owners and landlords that homes must be fitted with a working smoke alarm that is less than 10 years old and test them regularly.
"I would urge the community to be mindful of what equipment they are using to try to heat their home to minimise the risk of fire," Supt Dewberry said.
EDITORS NOTE: Higher resolution images relating to this incident are available on the FRNSW website.
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Learn how to prevent fires from heaters and open fires.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
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