A house fire can destroy a home in minutes — but in many cases, it's entirely preventable. From the kitchen to the laundry, knowing the hidden hazards in each room could be the key to keeping your family and property safe.
Fires don't just start in one place — they can begin in unexpected areas of the home, often when we're distracted or away. That's why taking a room-by-room approach to fire safety is one of the smartest ways to reduce your risk.
Common causes of domestic fires
Understanding the leading causes of domestic fires is critical to being able to take proactive steps to mitigate some of the common risks.
- Bushfire: lightning strikes, broken glass, heat and combustible materials can spontaneously ignite in high temperatures.
- Electrical malfunctions: faulty wiring, overloaded circuits or malfunctioning electrical equipment can lead to short circuits or sparks.
- Heating and cooking equipment: improper use or maintenance of furnaces or boilers and cooking equipment can cause fires.
- Flammable materials: storage or handling of flammable substances like chemicals, solvents, fuels or cleaning agents.
- Combustible waste: accumulation of combustible materials like paper, cardboard, packaging materials or clutter.
- Faulty or neglected equipment: mechanical failures or malfunctioning of machinery, such as ventilation systems or generators.
- Human negligence: accidental actions like smoking, improper use or storage of flammable materials or negligent handling of open flames.
Start with the basics: big-picture fire safety measures
Before diving into room-by-room risks, it's worth taking stock of the broader fire safety steps every homeowner should consider. These high-level actions provide essential protection — and can make a life-saving difference in an emergency.
- Test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they're in working order.
- Install fire extinguishers and blankets between a fire hazard and an exit.
- Create a fire escape plan to ensure everyone in the home knows what to do.
- Get your wiring checked by a professional, particularly if you notice flickering lights, power tripping or charring around power points.
- Be aware that lithium-ion batteries which are used in numerous devices including mobile phones and laptops can be a fire risk if damaged or mishandled.
- Use power boards safely, ensure they have a cut-out button and don't plug in an adaptor.
- Understand your level of bushfire risk and consider safety upgrades if you have an older home.
- If you own an electric vehicle charger, ensure you have adequate sprinklers or a fire extinguisher — and check the terms of the contractual agreement with the manufacturer/supplier.
