Across Victoria, in figures compiled by the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria, there were a total of 21 preventable residential fire fatalities in 2025, an increase from 18 fatalities in 2024.
According to the figures, 85 per cent of fatal fires in 2025 started in bedrooms or living rooms.
FRV acting deputy commissioner community safety and operational training Mark Carter said when a fire broke out it could spread quickly, leaving families just seconds to escape.
“These school holidays we’re asking families to check their smoke alarms, replace those that are not working or are more than 10 years old, and practice your home fire escape plan,” he said.
Mr Carter said a home fire escape plan should be tailored to your living environment and the abilities of everyone living in the home, such as a young child, an older person or someone with mobility issues.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said an effective home fire escape plan started with having working smoke alarms fitted in your home.
“Most fire fatalities are preventable. If you think you are going to wake up during a house fire, think again,” he said.
“There are gases in the room, putting you further to sleep, so a smoke alarm is really the only thing that will ensure you are alerted when a fire occurs and give you the opportunity to escape.
“There is nothing more disheartening to a firefighter than when we go into a home, and we see smoke alarms that aren’t functional. Only working smoke alarms save lives.”
By law, smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house, and on each level of the house.
When checking, installing or replacing your smoke alarms, the CFA and FRV recommend:
• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area.
• Use smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery.
• All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
• Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall.
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly. Press the test button until the alarm sounds.
• Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year.
• Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.
For more information about smoke alarms and how to make a home fire escape plan, visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov.au.
