October 22nd, 2023Smoke alarm saves home occupants

A working smoke alarm helped save the lives of two Benalla residents after a house fire last week.

Seven CFA units, with help from FRV, were called to a house fire on Four Mile Rd in Benalla at 11.42pm last Sunday night, October 15.

District 23 Commander Daryl Owen said the occupants were alerted to the fire through working smoke alarms.

He said the occupants also closed two internal doors in the home, which reduced the fire spread. 

“There’s no doubt the smoke alarm contributed to saving their lives. And limiting the damage to the house,” Commander Owen said.

“They’re really grateful the smoke alarms worked and alerted them both to the fire.” Both occupants were uninjured.

The incident was under control at 12.18am and safe at 1.26am. CFA crews attended from Benalla, Baddaginnie, Glenrowan and Wangaratta.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but not being treated as suspicious.