.png "Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer, Ashlea and Michael Vamplew with Harlow and Cranbourne Fire Brigade CFA member Zoe Russell.")
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer, Ashlea and Michael Vamplew with Harlow and Cranbourne Fire Brigade CFA member Zoe Russell.
A Cranbourne father who saved his daughter when a fire broke out in their family home is calling on Victorians to fit smoke alarms in all bedrooms.
The call comes as the latest figures show that between May 2024 and May 2025, FRV and CFA responded to more than 1,880 residential fires across Victoria, while 18 people died in preventable house fires during 2024.
Most fatal fires and those that cause serious injuries occur in bedrooms and living areas, however, FRV and CFA's most recent survey of Victorians revealed just 17 percent of Victorians are protected by smoke alarms in their bedrooms.
On a cold August night last year, Michael Vamplew and his partner Ashlea woke to hear their two-year-old daughter Harlow screaming for help, after a fire took hold in her bedroom when her bed linen was ignited by a malfunctioning nightlight and powerboard.
Despite having smoke alarms installed in the hallways, no alarm was triggered as Harlow's bedroom door was closed, containing most of the smoke inside.
"We heard her scream and call for help. I saw smoke rolling out beneath her bedroom door," said Mr Vamplew.
"I knew we were in trouble and did what any other parent would do – the door was swollen shut from the heat of the fire, so I kicked it down. I just prayed that my daughter was safe. As I opened the door, she was standing there and I just grabbed her."
Mr Vamplew saw flames had engulfed the majority of Harlow's bedroom, from floor to ceiling.
"If there was a smoke alarm in the bedroom, it would have picked up the initial smoke before there was such a large fire," he said.
In line with the family's home fire escape plan, while Mr Vamplew got Harlow to safety, Ashlea helped to evacuate the other children and contacted the authorities with FRV and CFA arriving to tackle the blaze. Harlow was treated for third degree burns to her feet.
The Vamplews have since installed interconnected smoke alarms throughout their home so when one alarm activates, all will now sound.
"Everyone should definitely have smoke alarms in their bedrooms because they allow you to act before it is too late," said Mr Vamplew.
"We have three children under four and if the fire had been in our one-year-old's room, then the situation could have been significantly worse."
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer hopes the Vamplew family's lucky escape sends a strong message to all Victorians.
"What happened to the Vamplew family clearly demonstrates why it is so vital to have smoke alarms fitted in every bedroom of your home," said Joshua.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook hoped this Smoke Alarm Action Day (1 June), residents feel prompted to reevaluate the placement and condition of their smoke alarms.
"We know fire risk is greatest when you are asleep, because we can lose our sense of smell. Without a working smoke alarm in your bedroom, your family may not wake up in time to safely escape," Garry said.
When checking, installing, or replacing your smoke alarms, FRV and CFA advises:
- Only working smoke alarms save lives.
- Smoke alarms should also be installed in every bedroom and living area.
- Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house and on each level.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall or installed on the wall at least 30cm from the ceiling to avoid dead air space.
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so when any alarm is activated, all smoke alarms will sound.
- Fire services recommend the use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long life battery.
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly by pressing the test button on the alarm and waiting for the test alarm to sound.
- Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or dusted at least once a year to remove particles that will affect smoke alarm performance.
- Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.
- Smoke alarms, including those attached to mains power, should be replaced every 10 years
