Fire safety at home

Most house fires can be prevented by taking steps to reduce the risks. Use these tips to help keep your home and family safe.

Smoke alarm law changes (from 1 January 2027)

From 1 January 2027, all homes in Queensland must have smoke alarms that: 

  • are photoelectric (use light to detect smoke)
  • are interconnected (when one alarm sounds, they all sound)
  • are hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery
  • meet Australian Standard AS 3786-2014

Smoke alarms must be installed in:

  • every bedroom
  • hallways connecting bedrooms
  • every level of the home.

Test your smoke alarms regularly.

For more information, visit the Queensland Fire Department website.

Fire escape plan

  • Make a fire escape plan for your home.
  • Make sure everyone practises how to get out safely.

Heaters

  • Clean heaters before using them after storage.
  • Dust can build up and increase fire risk.
  • Turn heaters off before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Keep heaters at least one metre away from curtains, bedding and furniture.

Kitchen

  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Keep tea towels and other flammable items away from the stove and other cooking appliances.
  • Clean rangehood filters regularly.
  • Keep a lid nearby when cooking (you can use it to smother a fire).
  • Keep a fire blanket and extinguisher available.
  • Never use water on an oil or fat fire.

Bedroom

  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Always turn off electric blankets before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Turn off your heater before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Do not charge mobile phones or laptops on beds. 
  • Charge devices on hard non-flammable devices
  • Roll up electric blankets for storing.

Lounge Room

  • Do not run extensions cords under rugs or mats.
  • Do not overload power points and power boards.
  • Do not use damaged cords.
  • Never leave candles or incense unattended.
  • Use a fire guard for open fireplaces.

Garage

  • Remove flammable rubbish, like oily rags and open containers of oil or solvent.
  • Store chemicals safety and separately.
  • Keep petrol, kerosene and other flammable liquids in approved, labelled containers.
  • Store Petroleum fuels and nitrogen fertilisers well apart.
  • Do not smoke or used open flames in a garage.

Balcony

  • Keep flammable liquids away from heat sources like barbeques.
  • Make sure there is a clear space around barbeques when in use.
  • Never leave your barbeque unattended.

Laundry and bathroom

  • Clean lint filters in clothes dryers after each use.
  • Let clothes dryers complete the full cycle so they can cool down.
  • Turn clothes dryers off before leaving the house or going to sleep.

For more information about fire safety at home and escape plans, please visit the Queensland Fire Department website or the Queensland State Government website.

Taking these simple steps can help protect your home and save lives.

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