Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Russell Anderson said possible multiple fatalities were averted in a caravan fire last month when the three occupants were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm and managed to escape.
Bedding had come into contact with a heater in the caravan, causing the fire, Mr Anderson said.
The smoke alarm had not long been fitted in the caravan, and the incident was a timely reminder to people to make sure their houses, offices, or temporary lodgings were equipped with the devices, he said.
Mr Anderson said smoke alarms should be taken on holiday and used in tents, sleep-outs and caravans, as well as cribs and other dwellings.
"The simple initiative of installing a smoke alarm and ensuring it continued to be maintained in good working condition played a major part in allowing those people to safely escape the burning caravan with no injuries.
Had a smoke alarm not been installed in their sleeping area or maintained, the chances of their escape would have been minimal," he said.
