A recent fire incident in Seacliff, Adelaide, caused by a wheat bag left in a microwave, has resulted in significant damage estimated at $150,000. The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) has urgently warned the community about the hazards of improper at-home heating practices.
The fire broke out in a residence on the Esplanade, where the occupant, alerted by a smoke alarm, managed to escape and seek help from a neighbour. Local resident Kenneth Maile witnessed the situation and described how the man had inadvertently left the wheat bag in the microwave before going to bed.
Firefighters were successful in containing the fire, which primarily affected the kitchen and dining areas of the home. Phil Ross from the MFS emphasised that such incidents are more common than one might think and serve as a cautionary tale for others.
MFS officials advised that heat packs should only be reheated when completely cooled down to prevent overheating. Signs of a wheat bag getting too hot include a burning smell, charring, and the presence of smoke. The resident was treated for smoke inhalation but was released from the hospital shortly thereafter.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety when using household heating devices.