NEWS DESK
Heat blast: The aftermath of a fire possibly caused by overheated air conditioner.
Fire warning for coolers Liz Bell liz@baysidenews.com.au FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning to have air cooling and heating systems serviced after two house fires over the weekend of 7 until 8 January. The fires in Seaford and Carrum Downs were among five in outer metro-Melbourne that fire crews believe were related to air-conditioners or evaporative cooling system. The families were home at the time of the fires and were able to escape, but both the houses were damaged. Carrum Downs station captain Steve Rhodes said investigations were continuing, but air cooling systems were likely to be the cause in both instances. CFA state fire investigation coordinator Nicole Harvey said all air conditioners and evaporative cooling units should be serviced annually to help prevent problems that could cause an electrical fault or fire. “People should maintain their air conditioners and evaporative coolers by ensuring the dust filters and vent outlets inside the properties are cleaned regularly, along with having the units regularly serviced according
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to the manufacturer’s specifications,” Ms Harvey said. “Recent hot weather across Victoria means more people are cooling their homes with systems like evaporative coolers and these incidents may have been prevented had units been checked more regularly.” Mornington CFA captain Gary Bryant said heating units should be serviced at least annually to prevent a build u of dust and dirt, which can cause problems. Ms Harvey said people should also check the latest product safety recalls online. Victoria’s director of energy safety Paul Fearon said not many people took the time to get their units serviced each year. “Regular maintenance not only allows manufacturer’s upgrades and adjustments to be made, it ensures your air conditioner or evaporative cooler will be working safely and efficiently when you need it most,” he said. See productsafety.gov.au/recalls to check evaporative cooling model safety.
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 25 January 2017
Check before dip: EPA advising bayside beachgoers to check water quality before swimming. Picture: Gary Sissons
Water quality still a concern BEACHGOERS and swimmers are still being urged to check water quality updates before going for a dip off bayside beaches this summer amid risks of illness from bacteria and faecal matter swept into Port Phillip Bay during stormy weather. Water quality is being monitored daily by the Environment Protection Authority until March. Earlier this month EPA applied sciences group manager Dr Anthony Boxshall said there is a higher risk of illnesses such as gastro to swimmers from higher bacterial levels after flash
flooding (“Poo-r water quality at bayside beaches”, The News 10/1/17). “Heavy rain and storms can create a risk to the public as they can flood stormwater systems that then carry pollution that has built up in drains into waterways,” Dr Boxshall said in a statement. “In certain conditions, they can be home to bacteria from faecal pollution that poses health risks to swimmers.” The EPA issues twice-daily water quality updates of good, fair and poor for Port Phillip’s 36 beaches. It is not
advisable to swim at all waterways and beaches for up to 48 hours after heavy rain since there may be a higher risk of gastro and other illnesses. Water quality information is also displayed on signs at Life Saving Victoria clubs around the bay. The water quality forecasts can be seen online at epa.vic.gov.au and via twitter @EPA_Victoria or by calling 1300 372 842. Text message alerts can be signed up for at yarraandbay.vic.gov.au online.