❓ Hon. Sally Talbot questions the Minister for Emergency Services regarding the discrepancy between media reports suggesting incorrectly installed fireplaces cause fires and the department's lack of formal reports on the matter. The Minister clarifies the department's position, emphasizing homeowner responsibility and existing warnings.
AnsweredQoN 940Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT
OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES — UNCLEAN CHIMNEY FIRES
940. Hon SALLY TALBOT to the Attorney
General representing the Minister for Emergency Services:
I refer to question without notice 871 in which the Minister
for Emergency Services advised that the fire investigation analysis unit had
not received any reports of fires being caused by incorrect installation of
fireplaces and chimneys and draw the minister's attention to media
reports that his department believes that this is a cause of many fires. Is the
government now investigating the extent of this problem?
OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES — UNCLEAN CHIMNEY FIRES
940. Hon SALLY TALBOT to the Attorney
General representing the Minister for Emergency Services:
I refer to question without notice 871 in which the Minister
for Emergency Services advised that the fire investigation analysis unit had
not received any reports of fires being caused by incorrect installation of
fireplaces and chimneys and draw the minister's attention to media
reports that his department believes that this is a cause of many fires. Is the
government now investigating the extent of this problem?
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the Minister for Emergency Services, I thank the
honourable member for some notice of this question.
No. Warning advice on installation manuals state that units
should be installed and serviced by an authorised service person. These manuals
contain warnings that incorrect installation may result in fire or explosion
causing property or personal damage or loss of life. These are the warnings
that the Department of Fire and Emergency Services is referring to in media
reports in an effort to ensure that homeowners take care when installing fireplaces.
As advised in question without notice 871, the fire investigation analysis unit
at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has received no formal reports
of fires as a result of incorrectly constructed fireplaces or chimneys.
honourable member for some notice of this question.
No. Warning advice on installation manuals state that units
should be installed and serviced by an authorised service person. These manuals
contain warnings that incorrect installation may result in fire or explosion
causing property or personal damage or loss of life. These are the warnings
that the Department of Fire and Emergency Services is referring to in media
reports in an effort to ensure that homeowners take care when installing fireplaces.
As advised in question without notice 871, the fire investigation analysis unit
at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has received no formal reports
of fires as a result of incorrectly constructed fireplaces or chimneys.
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