Outdoor heater mistake sparks $250,000 damage to home
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As the cooler months settle in and we all look for ways to keep warm while enjoying our outdoor spaces, many of us turn to outdoor heaters, fire pits, and chimneys for extra comfort.
However, a recent incident in a suburb is a sobering reminder that these cosy additions can quickly become dangerous if not used with care.
Just after 8:30 pm, a quiet evening took a dramatic turn when a fire broke out in a carport on Tripoli Road.
The blaze, which originated in a chimney tucked into the corner of a rear pergola, rapidly escalated, ultimately causing an estimated $250,000 in damage across two properties.
Sixteen firefighters rushed to the scene, using angle grinders to access the rear of the affected homes.
Neighbour Raymond described the chaos: ‘Embers…were flying over our fence, so I was out the back just watching, making sure our property was going to be OK.’
For Shiralee Lindner, one of the residents, the news came as a shock while she was away from home.
Her niece, Libby, recounted the frantic phone call: ‘She just rang me when she was coming, like, "Oh my god, my house is on fire."’
Thanks to quick-thinking neighbours, Shiralee’s son was alerted in time to grab the family dog and escape.
Firefighters didn’t just save people—they also rescued several animals, including a snake and some birds.
A young infant was assessed by paramedics, and tragically, two cars were destroyed in the inferno.
While outdoor heaters and chimineas are a staple for many Aussie backyards, this incident highlights the importance of using them safely.
The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) has issued a timely reminder: always ensure there’s adequate ventilation when using outdoor heaters, and make it a habit to clean them at least once a year to prevent the build-up of flammable materials like leaves, dust, and cobwebs.
It’s easy to forget that even a small ember can travel and ignite nearby materials—especially in dry, windy conditions.
In this case, embers from the chimney were enough to set off a chain reaction that affected not just one, but two homes.
Stay safe while using outdoor heaters and fire pits by following a few practical tips.
Use heaters only in well-ventilated areas and avoid placing them in enclosed spaces like sheds or garages.
Clean your heater or chimney thoroughly at least once a year, removing ash, debris, and cobwebs.
Position heaters away from flammable items such as pergola roofs, branches, and outdoor furniture.
Always supervise heaters and fires, especially when children or pets are nearby.
Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand close to handle any emergencies.
Check local council rules before lighting any outdoor fire, particularly during fire ban periods.
One of the silver linings in this story is the way neighbours looked out for each other.
Quick action and communication can make all the difference in an emergency.
It’s a good reminder to get to know your neighbours and have a plan in place for what to do if disaster strikes.
Stay warm, stay safe, and remember: a little caution goes a long way when it comes to fire.
Have you ever had a close call with an outdoor heater or fire pit? What safety tips do you swear by? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—your experience could help keep someone else safe this winter!
However, a recent incident in a suburb is a sobering reminder that these cosy additions can quickly become dangerous if not used with care.
Just after 8:30 pm, a quiet evening took a dramatic turn when a fire broke out in a carport on Tripoli Road.
The blaze, which originated in a chimney tucked into the corner of a rear pergola, rapidly escalated, ultimately causing an estimated $250,000 in damage across two properties.
Sixteen firefighters rushed to the scene, using angle grinders to access the rear of the affected homes.
A fire was sparked in a chimney under a rear pergola in Happy Valley, Adelaide, and was spread, causing around $250,000 in damage to two properties. Credit: Facebook
Neighbour Raymond described the chaos: ‘Embers…were flying over our fence, so I was out the back just watching, making sure our property was going to be OK.’
For Shiralee Lindner, one of the residents, the news came as a shock while she was away from home.
Her niece, Libby, recounted the frantic phone call: ‘She just rang me when she was coming, like, "Oh my god, my house is on fire."’
Thanks to quick-thinking neighbours, Shiralee’s son was alerted in time to grab the family dog and escape.
Firefighters didn’t just save people—they also rescued several animals, including a snake and some birds.
A young infant was assessed by paramedics, and tragically, two cars were destroyed in the inferno.
While outdoor heaters and chimineas are a staple for many Aussie backyards, this incident highlights the importance of using them safely.
The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) has issued a timely reminder: always ensure there’s adequate ventilation when using outdoor heaters, and make it a habit to clean them at least once a year to prevent the build-up of flammable materials like leaves, dust, and cobwebs.
It’s easy to forget that even a small ember can travel and ignite nearby materials—especially in dry, windy conditions.
Stay safe while using outdoor heaters and fire pits by following a few practical tips.
Use heaters only in well-ventilated areas and avoid placing them in enclosed spaces like sheds or garages.
Clean your heater or chimney thoroughly at least once a year, removing ash, debris, and cobwebs.
Position heaters away from flammable items such as pergola roofs, branches, and outdoor furniture.
Always supervise heaters and fires, especially when children or pets are nearby.
Check local council rules before lighting any outdoor fire, particularly during fire ban periods.
One of the silver linings in this story is the way neighbours looked out for each other.
Quick action and communication can make all the difference in an emergency.
It’s a good reminder to get to know your neighbours and have a plan in place for what to do if disaster strikes.
Stay warm, stay safe, and remember: a little caution goes a long way when it comes to fire.
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