Warnings over gas leaks after deadly explosion in Kingscliff home
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Authorities are warning people to maintain regular safety checks on gas appliances after a house fire started by a suspected LPG-fuelled explosion fatally injured an elderly northern New South Wales man.
The 85-year-old suffered severe burns to 50 per cent of his body when the fire erupted just before 7:30am on Monday in a demountable home at a residential village in Kingscliff.
He was flown to the Royal Brisbane Hospital but police confirmed on Wednesday he had died.
The man's 83-year-old wife, who was also in the home, suffered burns on her face and body and was taken to hospital.
The home and a nearby car were destroyed by the blaze in over-50s village Noble Lakeside Park.
"We've got evidence of a pretty decent flash fire or a minor explosion, which has pushed a lot of the construction of that demountable outside of where we would normally expect if it was a fire that started in a kitchen or in a lounge or a TV," he said.
"So there is information to indicate there has been some sort of vapour that has ignited.
"One of the things that we do know was, on-scene were LPG or gas cylinders."
Superintendent Dewbury said gas leaks were not uncommon and a leak could cause could an explosion.
"LPG is heavier than air so it does sit low. It can travel some distance to find an ignition source," he said.
"There only needs to be a small amount of gas that's escaped in a small area, like a room, and it can be ignited by a light switch or a fridge thermostat or your heater thermostat clicking on to actually ignite that gas and literally blow your home apart and start a fire.
Superintendent Dewbury said gas leaks were not uncommon and a leak could cause could an explosion.
"It can have catastrophic consequences."
He recommended homeowners have gas cylinders, systems, and appliances checked regularly for leaks.
"You can do a simple test, just with some soapy water: splash it or spray it around and look for any air bubbles. If you get those gas bubbles, turn the gas bottle off and go for a reseal.
"If you can't get it sealed up, call in a licensed tradesperson."
NSW government gas safety tips:
"Over the years, the standard has increased," he said.
"There are a lot of safety features that they have added to the appliances over the years to make them safer."
However, gas could leak from pipes and regulators and Mr Hipwell recommended a pressure check.
"So what that does, it tests the entire line for any sorts of leaks and that will test the appliances and the pipes," he said.
"Signs of a gas leak would be the smell of gas, firstly, difficulty in lighting and difficulty in keeping it alight, and excessive gas consumption.
"With gas cooking, an orange flame is very dangerous for carbon monoxide poisoning."
Gasfitters must hold a licence in NSW and Queensland and must certify any work they do.
By Cathy Adams
The 85-year-old suffered severe burns to 50 per cent of his body when the fire erupted just before 7:30am on Monday in a demountable home at a residential village in Kingscliff.
He was flown to the Royal Brisbane Hospital but police confirmed on Wednesday he had died.
The man's 83-year-old wife, who was also in the home, suffered burns on her face and body and was taken to hospital.
The home and a nearby car were destroyed by the blaze in over-50s village Noble Lakeside Park.
A firefighter works to extinguish a fire at a retirement village in Kingscliff. (Supplied: Jill Kinneally)
Indications of gas vapour ignition
NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewbury said there were clear indications gas was involved."We've got evidence of a pretty decent flash fire or a minor explosion, which has pushed a lot of the construction of that demountable outside of where we would normally expect if it was a fire that started in a kitchen or in a lounge or a TV," he said.
"So there is information to indicate there has been some sort of vapour that has ignited.
"One of the things that we do know was, on-scene were LPG or gas cylinders."
Superintendent Dewbury said gas leaks were not uncommon and a leak could cause could an explosion.
"LPG is heavier than air so it does sit low. It can travel some distance to find an ignition source," he said.
"There only needs to be a small amount of gas that's escaped in a small area, like a room, and it can be ignited by a light switch or a fridge thermostat or your heater thermostat clicking on to actually ignite that gas and literally blow your home apart and start a fire.
Superintendent Dewbury said gas leaks were not uncommon and a leak could cause could an explosion.
Superintendent Adam Dewbury says debris strewn around the demolished home indicates a gas explosion. (Supplied: NSW Fire & Rescue)
"It can have catastrophic consequences."
He recommended homeowners have gas cylinders, systems, and appliances checked regularly for leaks.
"You can do a simple test, just with some soapy water: splash it or spray it around and look for any air bubbles. If you get those gas bubbles, turn the gas bottle off and go for a reseal.
"If you can't get it sealed up, call in a licensed tradesperson."
NSW government gas safety tips:
- Don't use any appliance made for outdoor use inside your house or within an enclosed area. Safe use requires more ventilation than what is available indoors or within an enclosed area.
- Gas appliances for sale without an attached recognised approval label might be unsafe. When buying a gas appliance, make sure you ask the salesperson to show you the approval label.
- Do not buy an unlabelled appliance.
- Buyers should be aware that overseas approvals of gas appliances are not recognised in Australia.
- Always have a licensed gasfitter install, repair and service gas appliances.
- It is recommended that appliances are serviced by a licensed gasfitter in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Regular checks for danger
Plumber and gasfitter David Hipwell said gas appliances and equipment should be checked every couple of years to ensure there were no leaks, particularly from aging appliances."Over the years, the standard has increased," he said.
"There are a lot of safety features that they have added to the appliances over the years to make them safer."
A mild winter had an impact on gas consumption, according to the AEMO. (Supplied: Rinnai)
However, gas could leak from pipes and regulators and Mr Hipwell recommended a pressure check.
"So what that does, it tests the entire line for any sorts of leaks and that will test the appliances and the pipes," he said.
"Signs of a gas leak would be the smell of gas, firstly, difficulty in lighting and difficulty in keeping it alight, and excessive gas consumption.
"With gas cooking, an orange flame is very dangerous for carbon monoxide poisoning."
Gasfitters must hold a licence in NSW and Queensland and must certify any work they do.
By Cathy Adams
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