Australia’s warmer months are a time for long evenings, backyard barbies, and getting outdoors—but they’re also a time when the risk of fire dramatically increases. From bushfires in rural areas to house fires caused by faulty wiring or neglected maintenance, fire safety should be top of mind as spring rolls into summer.
The good news? A few simple checks and some proactive planning can keep your home, family, and property safe. And if you’re not confident doing it yourself, there’s always a tradie on ServiceSeeking.com.au who can help.
Here’s a run-through of the key fire safety tips to tick off before the hot weather really sets in.
Dry leaves, twigs, and debris love to build up in gutters and roof valleys—prime fuel for flying embers if a bushfire is nearby. Even in the suburbs, this build-up can cause small spot fires if sparks land where they shouldn’t.
DIY option: Scoop out debris regularly and hose down the area.
Tradie tip: Hiring a roof and gutter cleaner is safer and faster, especially if your roof is steep or multi-storey. They can also check for cracks, loose tiles, or damage that could worsen during fire season.
It sounds obvious, but many house fires become tragedies because smoke alarms were missing or faulty. By law, Australian homes need working smoke alarms, but when was the last time you tested yours?
Replace batteries every year.
Test alarms monthly.
Upgrade older alarms to photoelectric models for better coverage.
If you’re not sure your alarms meet current safety standards, an electrician can inspect and install the right type in the right places.
Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires. With fans, aircons, and barbecues working overtime in summer, now’s the time to make sure everything’s in top shape.
Look out for frayed cords, overloaded power boards, or flickering lights.
Get an electrician to check switchboards, wiring, and safety switches.
Don’t forget outdoor power outlets—they can degrade faster when exposed to the elements.
A quick call to an electrician via ServiceSeeking.com.au could save you from a major headache later.
Overgrown branches close to the house or power lines increase fire risk. Dry grass and shrubs also act like kindling in extreme heat.
Mow lawns regularly and keep grass short.
Trim overhanging branches near your roof or fences.
Remove dead plants, leaves, and mulch close to your home.
Gardeners and tree loppers on ServiceSeeking.com.au can handle the heavy work for you—particularly if you need to prune near powerlines or remove large trees safely.
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, having a “buffer zone” around your home is crucial. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and other state fire services recommend a clear area free of flammable material.
Keep wood piles and fuel away from the house.
Store outdoor furniture cushions inside on high-risk days.
Use non-flammable mulch like pebbles near the home.
A landscaper or handyman can help redesign your outdoor space with fire safety in mind, without losing the aesthetic appeal.
Summer in Australia wouldn’t be the same without a barbie—but gas leaks, grease build-up, and faulty burners are all common fire hazards.
Check gas bottles for leaks (a soapy water test will show bubbles if there’s an issue).
Clean grease trays regularly.
Replace rusty or damaged parts before the season kicks off.
A gasfitter or appliance technician can give your barbecue a once-over to ensure it’s safe to fire up.
Spring is the perfect time to switch gears from heaters to cooling systems. But before you pack the heater away, give it a final safety check.
Clean filters in both heaters and air conditioners.
Have a professional service ducted systems at least once a year.
Check chimneys and flues for blockages if you’ve used a fireplace over winter.
A licensed technician can handle all this, giving you peace of mind that nothing’s going to spark trouble.
Many households have extinguishers or blankets tucked away in cupboards, but do you actually know if they work—or how to use them?
Check the gauge on extinguishers (they should be in the green zone).
Replace any more than 10 years old.
Keep fire blankets in kitchens and outdoor cooking areas.
If you’re unsure, a local safety service or handyman can help with replacements and proper installation.
If you’re in a regional or high-risk area, having a clear, practised plan is non-negotiable. Discuss with your family:
Where will you go if you need to evacuate?
What will you take?
Who will you contact?
Tradies can’t write your plan for you—but they can help make your home more fire-resilient so you’ve got a stronger safety net.
Sometimes it’s the small details that make the biggest difference:
Check pool pumps and outdoor electrics for faults.
Store flammable liquids (like paint or petrol) safely in sheds.
Fit metal mesh screens on windows and vents to block embers.
A handyman or builder can tick these jobs off quickly if you don’t have the tools or time.
While some fire safety tasks are straightforward, others are best left to trained tradies. Climbing onto a roof, rewiring electrics, or removing big trees can be dangerous if you’re not experienced.
By hiring through ServiceSeeking.com.au, you can:
Compare quotes easily from multiple local tradies.
Read reviews from other homeowners before booking.
Find licensed professionals for specialist jobs like electrical work or gas fitting.
Fire safety isn’t just about protecting property—it’s about safeguarding lives. Getting expert help now means fewer worries when the mercury rises.
Australia’s warmer months are a time to enjoy, not stress. By ticking off a fire safety checklist and getting the right tradies on board, you can relax knowing you’ve done everything possible to reduce risks.
So, before you spark up the barbie or head out to the beach, take a moment to get your home fire-ready. Whether it’s a quick gutter clean, a smoke alarm upgrade, or a full electrical safety check, you’ll find the right tradie on ServiceSeeking.com.au.
Because a little preparation now can mean a summer of peace of mind later.