Building Fires

Building (or structure) fires make up a large part of the Brigades call outs.
Thankfully, some are just ‘false alarms’ at the schools, aged care facilities, childcare centres and other public buildings.
But in recent times, there has been a growing number of house fires, especially in the colder winter months.
House fires are especially demanding with the Brigade’s priority to protect life, stop the blaze from growing and to ensure nearby properties are protected.
Crews will usually don breathing apparatus to fight the fire and for safety may also be require to close streets or request electricity and gas companies to temporarily shut off supplies. Sometimes it’s also necessary to evacuate neighbouring homes.
Being prepared is the most important thing anyone can do. Have an escape plan, don’t leave batteries on charge when you’re not there or overnight, have working smoke alarms and every building should have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket.

KEEPING HYDRANTS READY FOR ACTION When crews arrive on scene, they are required to connect to the hydrants that are located in most streets around town. Some are located in nature strips, on footpaths while others are on the road.
Inside the fire truck crews can see the locations of the nearest hydrant and they race to get connected within ninety seconds. If you have a hydrant on your property, please keep it clear and unobstructed and avoid parking cars over hydrants located on the roads.