A working smoke alarm has been credited for alerting an occupant to a fire in his Sandy Bay home overnight.
The man safely evacuated before Tasmania Fire Service arrived at the fire on Edith Avenue around at 11.30pm last night.
TFS reported the building was well alight when they arrived and it took career firefighters from Hobart Fire Brigade approximately 40 minutes to bring under control. Fortunately the lone occupant was alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm and able to safely evacuate uninjured prior to the arrival of firefighters.
A fire watch was held overnight and subsequent fire investigation this morning revealed the fire to be caused by an electric heater which was inadvertently switched on, catching flammable materials alight.
Tasmania Fire Service Acting-Station Officer Craig Mackinnon has said that now is the time to inspect all methods of heating in our homes especially "as we enter cooler weather".
"The public need to make sure that all means of heating in their homes are inspected and are in good working condition" Mr. Mackinnon said.
"All flammable materials, including clothes racks and furniture should be at least two metres from any heating source" and "This fire is also a good reminder to ensure that all homes have working smoke alarms fitted as only a working smoke alarm can save your life" Mr. Mackinnon said.
The Sandy bay fire is estimated to have caused $450,000 damage.