Protect your homes from one bathroom item sparking a surge in house fires
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As we enjoy the cooler months, many homeowners turn to creature comforts to keep the chill at bay.
A warm bathroom is a sanctuary on a cold morning, but it's important to be aware of the hidden dangers that come with our pursuit of cosiness.
Firefighters sounded the alarm on a household item that's become an unexpected fire hazard.
An Adelaide family recently experienced a harrowing escape from their home after their bathroom heat lamp ignited a fire around 10 pm.
Thanks to the neighbours' quick action, the family of three safely fled the area before firefighters arrived.
The family required immediate treatment for smoke inhalation.
The fire, which reportedly reached the home's three-metre-high roof, caused an estimated $150,000 in damages.
This incident is not an isolated one—firefighters started reporting a worrying increase in house fires caused by bathroom heat lamps.
These lamps are either left on for extended periods or not properly maintained.
Metropolitan Fire Service Investigator Andrew French emphasised the importance of regular checks on these appliances.
'It's an area we don't really take notice of. It accumulates dust due to lack of maintenance, and people leaving their heat lamps on can contribute to a fire starting in that area,' Mr French warned.
'I recently did an inspection of my heat lamps and my fan motor and found the heat lamps were in contact with the plastic housing, and it started to melt,' he recounted.
This close call serves as a stark reminder that even the appliances we take for granted can become dangerous if not looked after.
Mr French also warned against a common DIY mistake: painting over fans or lamps.
These could restrict airflow, significantly increasing fire hazard.
These appliances should be free from any obstructions, and any protective covers should be clear of paint and other materials.
If you own a bathroom heat lamp at home, here are some protective tips:
Have you checked your bathroom heat lamps lately? Share your experiences and fire-proof tips with us in the comments below.
A warm bathroom is a sanctuary on a cold morning, but it's important to be aware of the hidden dangers that come with our pursuit of cosiness.
Firefighters sounded the alarm on a household item that's become an unexpected fire hazard.
An Adelaide family recently experienced a harrowing escape from their home after their bathroom heat lamp ignited a fire around 10 pm.
Thanks to the neighbours' quick action, the family of three safely fled the area before firefighters arrived.
The family required immediate treatment for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters issued a stark warning about the use of bath salt lamps at homes. Image Credit: Pexels/Jani Kantokoski
The fire, which reportedly reached the home's three-metre-high roof, caused an estimated $150,000 in damages.
This incident is not an isolated one—firefighters started reporting a worrying increase in house fires caused by bathroom heat lamps.
These lamps are either left on for extended periods or not properly maintained.
Metropolitan Fire Service Investigator Andrew French emphasised the importance of regular checks on these appliances.
'It's an area we don't really take notice of. It accumulates dust due to lack of maintenance, and people leaving their heat lamps on can contribute to a fire starting in that area,' Mr French warned.
'I recently did an inspection of my heat lamps and my fan motor and found the heat lamps were in contact with the plastic housing, and it started to melt,' he recounted.
This close call serves as a stark reminder that even the appliances we take for granted can become dangerous if not looked after.
Mr French also warned against a common DIY mistake: painting over fans or lamps.
These could restrict airflow, significantly increasing fire hazard.
These appliances should be free from any obstructions, and any protective covers should be clear of paint and other materials.
If you own a bathroom heat lamp at home, here are some protective tips:
- Clean your bathroom heat lamps and exhaust fans regularly to prevent dust build-up.
- Check the heat lamps' positioning and ensure they are not in contact with any flammable materials.
- Consider installing a timer on your bathroom heat lamps to prevent them from being left on for longer periods.
- Seek advice from a licensed electrician if you need help with your bathroom heat lamps or exhaust fans.
- Do not leave heat lamps on unattended, and always turn them off after use.
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