Victorian fire services are sounding the alarm on garage fire safety.
Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority are urging homeowners to tidy up potential fire hazards and install smoke alarms.
Data showed that in 2023, CFA responded to 51 house fires compared to 28 in 2022.
FRV deputy commissioner Joshua Fischer emphasised the rapid spread of garage fires.
“Fires that start in garages can spread to your family home in a matter of minutes,” he said.
“As many houses are designed with adjoining garages, it makes sense to ensure that your garage has a working smoke alarm installed.”
To minimise fire risks, fire services recommend inspecting electrical items, using original chargers for lithium-ion battery-powered devices, and decluttering garages.
For more tips on how to decrease the likelihood of a fire in your home, visit www.frv.vic.gov.au/give-fire-safety-tune-your-garage