Evaporative coolers have been blamed for three fires in less than two weeks.
All three fires took place in Bendigo in regional Victoria.
Bendigo fire station senior station manager Darren Eenjes said an air-conditioner was the cause of a fire at Feelgood Fitness in Strathdale yesterday afternoon – the third fire caused by evaporative coolers in two weeks.
Fire crews contained the fire in 15 minutes after they were called out to the Edwards Road gym about 3pm.
Crews used a thermal imaging camera to locate the fire in the roof and directed a jet of water to extinguish the flames.
Eenjes said the damage was isolated to the air-conditioning unit and was not extensive.
Energy Safe Victoria and Bendigo’s fire investigation team will confirm the cause of the fire.
Eenjes said a spate of hot weather has led to people using their air conditioners more.
“It is a concern,” Eenjes said.
He encouraged owners to get their units serviced
- with Bendigo Advertiser
