home is extremely disturbing.

It is almost inconceivable that residents of Australia, the most fire-prone nation on earth, would leave their children exposed to

such risk. But this is the finding of a recent insurance company survey.

House fires are all too common occurrences in this city - in fact, one in four households have experienced a fire; a high incident rate by any measure.

The deaths of young children in house fires in Tasmania and Queensland only a few weeks ago, should set warning bells off for

parents and fire educators alike.

This city, in fact this region, has many older homes, with out-of-date wiring and open fireplaces, which could easily become death-traps for ill-prepared children in the advent of fire.

With the onset of cooler weather and easing of fire restrictions, the fire danger period

has begun - exacerbated by the ongoing drought.

Bendigo is also a city surrounded by bush, and many homes and businesses abutt densely-treed or grassy areas.

Residents need to be prepared for fire from this front as well.

Don't wait until next summer to become fire savvy - fire is a year-round enemy.

Schools need to take this survey as a timely reminder to contact local fire brigades and

organise safety training for children so they can save themselves, in spite of the deficit in their learning.

Hopefully, next time this annual insurance survey is conducted, Bendigo children will

score more highly with regard to one of life's most common and preventable dangers.