Spring cleaning season is here, and for many Aussies that means tackling rooms packed with forgotten household items. But clearing the clutter isn’t just about making space, it could prevent a crisis before it starts. New claims data from Allianz reveals sheds and garages are now the most fire-affected area of the home, ahead of kitchen/dining areas and bedrooms. Nearly a third (32%) of all house fires affected sheds and garages in 2025, up from 25% in 20201.
As garages take on the role of multi-purpose storage spaces, many households now keep flammable liquids such as paints, fuels, and solvents alongside lithium-ion batteries for power and gardening tools, e-bikes, and other devices, creating a volatile mix. Add in clutter and poor ventilation, a small spark can quickly escalate into a dangerous blaze.
With 8-in-10 households2 planning to spring clean this year, Allianz is urging Aussies to make the garage the first area on their checklist.
Chris Wood, Emerging Risks Manager at Allianz Australia, shares a reminder that spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about reducing risk: “Our data tells us that garages are the most frequently affected area of the house, but are often overlooked when it comes to safety. Unlike bedrooms or hallways, there’s rarely a fire alarm in the garage.
“This spring, make it a priority to install an interconnected heat alarm rather than a smoke alarm, which can be triggered by dust and exhaust. Interconnected alarms allow the garage to ‘talk’ to the rest of the house. Make sure you also test your alarms, it’s a quick job that could prevent a harrowing incident,” Wood continues.
Fire and Rescue NSW, Superintendent Adam Dewberry, Operational Media Spokesperson, shares: “Spring might feel like a safer season now that heaters are off, but last spring alone, we attended 921 residential fires in NSW and real danger is being unprepared when a fire breaks out.
“We’re urging families to take time this spring to review their escape plan, make sure everyone knows how to get out, and to keep exits clear. Fires move fast, so having a plan and working smoke and heat alarms can make all the difference,” said Dewberry.
To help Aussies spring clean with purpose, Allianz shares important tips to reduce the fire risk throughout the home:
- Start with the garage: Clear the floor of any clutter and keep at least one metre of space around appliances. Remove piles of cardboard, rags, and other combustibles that can accelerate a fire and block escape routes. Check Christmas lights or any outdoor lights are properly stored.
- Store flammable liquids safely: Keep fuels, paints, and solvents in sealed containers, stored in a cool, ventilated area away from ignition sources like pilot lights, power and gardening tools, and battery charging areas. Even better, store in a shed that’s not connected to the house, and never leave oily rags exposed as they can self-combust from the vapours alone.
- Create a safe charging zone: Charge lithium-ion batteries for power and gardening tools, e-bikes, and other devices on a hard, non-flammable surface. Never charge overnight or leave unattended and always use the manufacturer-approved charger.
- Install an interconnected heat alarm in the garage: Unlike smoke alarms, heat alarms detect when the temperature (typically) reaches above 58 degrees and avoid false triggers from dust or exhaust. Connect it with your home’s smoke alarms so all alarms sound together for early warning.
Australian households are encouraged to visit Allianz for more information, resources, and guidance on reducing fire risks in and around the home.