Queenslanders urged to stay fire safe for rest of winter

Queenslanders are being urged to follow fire safety warnings despite a dramatic drop in house fires this winter.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said winter was traditionally the time of greatest risk for house fires as residents used heaters and electric blankets to stay warm.

"The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has undertaken a pro-active winter fire safety campaign and Queenslanders are heeding the message," he said.

"The number of structural fires attended by fire crews in June and July this year was 241, compared to 380 for the same period last year."

"That is almost 40% fewer house fires this winter."

"The number of fatalities and injuries have halved this winter compared to 2007."

Four deaths and 49 injuries were reported occurred in residential structural fires attended by QFRS in June-July last year. There have been two deaths and 24 injuries reported over the last two months.

“The winter months are the worst for house fires, often due to an increase in the use of heating appliances," he said.

"Any loss of life is a tragedy and I urge Queenslanders to redouble their efforts to stay fire safe for the rest of winter."

Mr Roberts said the compulsory introduction of smoke alarms last year was already saving lives and it was critical all households ensure their smoke alarms are operating.

"There some extra simple steps people can take to be fire safe this winter - ensure electrical blankets are turned before you go to bed, turn electrical appliances off at the wall, put out home fires if not being attended to and do not dry clothes next to a heater," he said.

Mr Roberts said while the number of winter house fires dropped, he was concerned at the increased kitchen fire incidents in Queensland.

The number of kitchen fires in Queensland increased by 82 from 794 in 2006-07 to 876 last financial year.

Media Contact: Brendan Connell 3247 8992