Electrical appliances and faults cause almost 40% of home fires. The use of heaters, cigarettes and candles are common causes of fires. You're twice as likely to die in a home fire if you don't have a working smoke alarm.
5 Leading Causes of House Fires
1. Cooking. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for 48% of all reported residential fires. 2. Heating. Portable heaters are the second-leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. 3. Electrical Fires. 4. Smoking. 5. Candles.
How many house fires in Australia each year?
There are over 17,000 residential fire incidents in Australia annually.
How quickly does a house fire spread?
In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
Will you wake up during a fire?
Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odourless, colourless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape. Heat is more threatening than flames.
