Victorians are being urged to ensure their fire safety measures don't stop when it comes to their garage this winter.
The incidence of fires starting in garages – with the potential to spread to connected or nearby homes – has led Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA to encourage residents to reduce potential fire hazards and install smoke alarms.
The warning follows figures showing from 1 April 2026 to date, FRV and CFA have recorded 120 fires which started in a garage or vehicle storage area.
A recent incident occurred at 10.40am, on 26 July, when firefighters were called to Mentone after multiple callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a garage fire.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a fire in a garage attached to a single storey apartment.
Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and extinguished the fire, which was caused by a battery being charged. The incident was deemed Under Control at 10.52am.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said that as garages often contained items such as lithium-ion batteries, gas cylinder, petrol cans and other chemicals, fires could take hold quickly.
"Residents may think of their garages as being a separate area from the rest of their homes, but in reality, a fire that starts in your garage can very quickly spread to your family home," said DC Fischer.
"This is especially true of garages that are built adjoining the family home, so it makes sense to ensure that adequate fire safety measures are in place.
"We recommend installing a smoke alarm where practical, however, in some garages these may become activated by dust or exhaust fumes, so residents may want to fit a heat detector instead, which are also widely available.
"Electrical items that are stored and used in your garage should be regularly inspected to ensure they are in good condition and any repairs should only be done by a certified tradesperson."
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM said particular care should be taken to ensure that tools and devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are charged using the chargers and cords originally supplied with the device.
"If a fire does break out in your garage, you can also reduce the chances of it spreading by regularly cleaning out any clutter," he said.
"It's also advisable to put smoke alarms in rooms where you charge devices and equipment, as they have the potential to catch alight – and this includes your garage."
Safety Tips:
- Install an interconnected smoke alarm or heat detector in your garage if it's attached to your house.
- Install smoke alarms in rooms where you charge devices and equipment.
Electrical
- Turn off all electrical appliances at the wall when they're not being used to reduce the risk of electrical fires starting.
- Don't use faulty or damaged cords or equipment. Regularly check for damage as they can start a fire.
Charging devices & Lithium-ion batteries
- Don't leave charging devices unattended
- Avoid charging batteries or devices when people are asleep.
- Avoid leaving batteries or devices unattended while they are on charge.
- Only use chargers that are supplied with the equipment or device, or certified third-party charging equipment that is compatible with the battery specifications.
- Always follow the manufacturers' charging and operation instructions.
- Only use chargers that meet Australian Standards – look for the Regulatory Compliance Mark.
- Make sure your charger is the correct voltage for the device.
- Check that your charger, power socket and cables are in good condition
- Make sure your equipment isn't overheating or showing signs of damage.
- Unplug the device when it finishes charging.
- Charge larger devices, like e-bikes and e-scooters away from doorways so there is a way to get out if a fire starts.
Storage
- Remove rubbish and clutter to make your home more fire safe.
- Keep chemicals and petrol away from fire and other heat sources, and away from children.
- Make sure you wash any rags or containers that have come into contact with chemicals or petrol after use, and before throwing in the rubbish. Even tiny traces or just the fumes from the chemicals can start a fire.
