A family escaped a house fire at a home on Marble Place in Forrestfield shortly before midnight on Friday, according to a PerthNow report published on 6 June 2015. The report put the damage bill at $150,000. The fire’s cause was still under investigation when the story was published.
What happened in the Forrestfield house fire?
PerthNow reporter Trevor Paddenburg reported that a woman in her thirties, three teenagers and a three-year-old toddler were at home when the fire broke out. Firefighters found the family safely outside. St John Ambulance officers treated the toddler for smoke inhalation; the report gives no further injury details. Read the PerthNow report.
The $150,000 figure was the damage estimate stated in that 2015 report. It is not an updated valuation.
What caused the fire?
The report said the cause had not been established at publication and that DFES investigators were at the scene on Saturday. DFES supervisor Gary Cochrane was quoted as saying, “it was not yet known what sparked the fire but investigations were continuing.” No later finding is established here, so the cause remains unknown on the available account.
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What should you do during a house fire?
DFES advises prioritizing escape over property. Its general guidance is to:
- Leave immediately using the nearest safe exit. If there is smoke, crawl low beneath it.
- Go to a safe meeting place, call 000 and wait outside for firefighters.
- Never re-enter a burning home. Do not try to fight a fire if doing so could put anyone’s life at risk. A fire blanket or extinguisher is appropriate only for a small fire in its first few seconds, and only if it can be used safely.
These are general DFES instructions, not details about the Forrestfield family’s escape. DFES: Fires in the home overview.
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How can smoke alarms help?
DFES says smoke alarms can alert occupants to a fire and give them time to escape. It recommends interconnected alarms in every room, outside each bedroom and on every level. The incident report does not say whether the Forrestfield home had alarms or whether an alarm affected the escape. Check current local requirements when installing or replacing alarms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do after a house fire
Do not enter until it is safe
Fire can leave a building structurally unsafe. Follow the attending officer’s instructions and find out whether an inspector must declare the home safe before entry. Check with the officer in charge before starting cleanup, and leave areas that may be part of an investigation undisturbed. For exposed or damaged asbestos, chemicals, firearms and ammunition, or explosives, seek advice from your local government.
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- No assembly required
- Flame resistant, durable & sturdy, foldable ladder - tested to 1,000 pounds
- Tangle-free design for fast & easy deployment in an emergency
- High quality, zinc-plated, 1-foot wide, anti-slip rungs for secure footing & a confident descent
Protect yourself and document damage
Once entry is safe and authorized, DFES recommends wearing a face mask, long sleeves and boots. Keep photographs and receipts for emergency repairs, consult your insurer before removing belongings or hiring cleaners, and use qualified tradespeople to inspect and reconnect utilities when needed. SES may be able to help secure damaged property.
Contact your insurer and seek support
If you are insured, contact your insurer promptly. Depending on the policy, it may help arrange accommodation, essential items, cleaning, utility services and an assessment. If the home is unsafe or destroyed, emergency accommodation and other support may be available.
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- No assembly or tools are required, easy to use and fast to deploy, built for emergencies. Please replace it every three years to ensure its usability.
- Strong and durable escape ladder, slip-resistant rungs provide a steady foothold, can escape quickly and easily.
- Tested for up to 1000 lbs, it can extends to 25 feet for use in three-story rooms.
- Comes with a red durable canvas bag for easily stored under a bed or near a window.
DFES lists the Department of Communities Disaster Relief Hotline, 1800 032 965, for urgent support when uninsured. Its guidance says the attending fire officer’s incident number is needed to access clothing and food support. Phone numbers and support arrangements can change, so confirm current details with DFES or the relevant agency. DFES: Recovering from a fire in the home.
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