Is Your Smoke Alarm Close Enough To Wake You?

This year, CFA and FRV are asking households to go a step further and consider whether their smoke alarms provide enough warning if a fire starts while someone is asleep.

Fire investigation data shows sleeping areas are the most common points of ignition in residential fires that result in serious injury or death.

A recent fire in Mooroolbark has highlighted why smoke alarm placement matters, after an unattended candle ignited a fire in an upstairs bedroom while an occupant was sleeping.

CFA crews were called to the home about 3am on 15 May, with the resident waking to find the bedroom already well alight, before managing to escape unharmed.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the room of origin, preventing it from spreading further through the home. The bedroom sustained significant damage.

CFA Incident Controller Kyle Willsher said the resident was fortunate to wake when they did.

"Crews were called about 3am and, thankfully, everyone was already out of the house when we arrived," Kyle said.

"There were smoke alarms operating elsewhere in the home, but there was no alarm in the bedroom where the fire started.

"This is a reminder that smoke alarms need to be close enough to wake you, especially if a fire starts while you are sleeping.

"Candles should never be left unattended, and they should always be extinguished before leaving a room or going to sleep."

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said the incident showed why Victorians should not assume one smoke alarm is enough.

"If a fire starts while you are asleep, every second counts," Garry said.

"Smoke alarms should be installed in bedrooms, living areas and hallways.

"Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection because when one alarm activates, all smoke alarms in the home sound.

"Use Smoke Alarm Action Day to test your alarms, check where they are installed and talk to your family about your home fire escape plan."

Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Joshua Fischer said that working smoke alarms are essential for home fire safety.

"In an emergency such as a house fire, seconds can make all the difference. Working smoke alarms give you the best chance to get out safely and call Triple Zero (000)," he said.

"That means every household must have working smoke alarms that are tested regularly and replaced if they are more than 10 years old. It is also recommended to install additional smoke alarms where they will wake you — including inside bedrooms and living areas — to give you the best chance of escape if a fire occurs.