Fire Fighters Prepare for Christmas Weather

(By Christina Huntingdon – Bond University Journalism student)

LOCAL fire fighters at Robina and Southport stations urge the Varsity Lakes community to prepare for the worst this Christmas.

Fire officers from around the Varsity Lakes region told the community this week that a fire can begin anywhere, any time.

Senior Fire Fighter in Community Safety Stan Smith said all it takes is the right weather conditions or someone to play with matches.

“Every year people die as a result of home fires, but homes fires are easily preventable.

“Fire blankets, extinguishers and alarms are common knowledge, but you’d be surprised just how many homes don’t have these safety implementations,” he said.

Fire fighters at Robina station believe cooking is among the highest risks of homes fires.

“Never leave cooking unattended,” said Mr Smith.

“If a fire should start in the kitchen, never use water to put it out.

“Have a fire blanket nearby, this is most effective.”

Varsity Lakes resident Harry Get admits he does not have a fire alarm installed or a fire blanket in his kitchen.

“I guess you never expect anything like that to actually happen to you,” he said.

“But that’s pretty naïve of me to think that.

“I’ll definitely be buying one this week, especially now that the weather is getting warmer.”

Sam Smith said the three elements of a fire include fuel, heat and oxygen.

“Take one of them away and you won’t have a fire,” he said.

“A fire blanket takes away the fire’s oxygen, that’s why you always need one nearby when cooking.”