Logan households are being urged to check their smoke alarms, heaters and electric blankets as winter brings a higher risk of house fires.
Queensland Fire Department says all existing private houses, townhouses, units and manufactured homes must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 1 January 2027.
Interconnected alarms mean that when one alarm goes off, all alarms in the house sound, giving people a better chance of waking and escaping.
Queensland Fire Department commissioner Steve Smith said compliant smoke alarms and a practiced fire escape plan were essential.
“Every winter, Queensland Fire and Rescue firefighters respond to a higher number of home fires than at other times of the year,” Commissioner Smith said.
“It’s important that you have compliant smoke alarms, and that you know what to do if a fire starts.
“Smoke and fire can spread through the home extremely quickly. A smoke alarm will alert you, but you will need to know how to get out fast to survive.”
Queensland Fire Department statistics show firefighters responded to 480 fires inside Queensland homes during winter last year, while more than 1400 fires in residential structures were recorded during winter months since 2023.
Commissioner Smith said heaters and electric blankets should be checked before use, especially if they had been stored during warmer months.
Unattended cooking was another common cause of house fires, with 190 kitchen fires recorded last winter.
Residents can find smoke alarm and escape plan information on the Queensland Fire Department website.
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