Small house fires can quickly get out of control, so every home should have basic firefighting equipment within easy reach.

• Ensure your house has a properly maintained fire extinguisher and fire blanket, and know how to use them. Look for products that meet the Australian Standard AS 2444
• It's a good idea to keep these in the kitchen as this is where most house fires start
• If the fire is small and localised and it is safe to do so, extinguish it using the fire blanket or fire extinguisher
• These are available from hardware shops and many supermarkets, or can be ordered from CFA's Fire Equipment Maintenance Department. Go to www.fem.cfa.vic.gov.au for more information.