Two-year-old dies in Qld house fire
A two-year-old boy has died on his birthday after fire tore through a home south of Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.
It's believed the toddler may have been playing with matches that were set aside to light his birthday cake.
Emergency crews were called to a property on Kokoda St in Beenleigh around 3pm (AEST) after reports a home was engulfed in flames.
A desperate search was launched for the little boy after he was reported missing.
His father, who had just returned from picking another child up from school, had to be tackled by police when he tried to enter the burning building.
The infant was later found in a back bedroom of the house.
UPDATE: A two year old boy has died on his birthday in a house fire on Kokoda Street, #Beenleigh #7News pic.twitter.com/Ym21GhHn0F
— 7News Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) May 14, 2015
The boy's mother and four siblings were also inside the home at the time but managed to escape.
They were treated by paramedics at the scene.
“The mother was home with the other five and she got four out,” Acting Inspector John Hamrey told reporters.
“The other little fella, a son, the two-year-old, was in the back part of the house and she couldn’t get to him.
“We believe it was his birthday today.”
Five crews worked for more than an hour to extinguish the blaze.
Forensic officers will attend the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.
Morning news break – May 14
SAFETY REMINDER: From Fire and Emergency services
Fire and Emergency services are reminding people to take care when using candles for emergency lighting. Where possible, residents are urged to use battery powered lighting during power outages.
The use of candles has always been popular and Fire and Emergency services are warning of the necessary fire safety precautions every time you use them.
·Never leave candles unattended or in places where they can fall or set alight flammable items such as curtains or upholstery.
·Make sure candles are on a secure base and never place them near an open window or near opened flammable liquid containers.
·Extinguish them if you leave the room and always before going to bed.
·Ensure matches or lighters are stored in a secure place out of reach and sight of children.
·Ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted. Ensure the smoke alarm is powered with a working 9V alkaline battery. Fire and Emergency services suggest using the Duracell 9V Ultra alkaline battery.
·Prepare and rehearse a home fire escape plan so you know the quickest routes out of your home if your smoke alarm activates.
·If you have any queries about smoke alarms or their installation, please contact your local fire station.
·Check how safe your home is from the risk of fire by doing a fire safety audit at www.homefiresafetyaudit.com.au
