NSW households are urged to check their smoke alarms as the State Government launches Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual ‘Winter Fire Safety’ campaign.
As winter begins and temperatures drop, Fire and Rescue crews typically see a 13 per cent increase in house fires compared with the rest of the year.
“The risk of fires in our homes increases during the colder months as we try to stay warm and cook more hot meals,” said Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.
“Keep looking when cooking – never leave cooking unattended and don’t throw water onto a fat fire as it will intensify the flames – use a fire blanket or extinguisher instead.”
Throughout 2024 there were 3,674 home fires, killing 25 people across NSW. In 45 per cent of these homes, there was no working smoke alarm.
In addition, Fire and Rescue NSW continues to urge the community to remain vigilant around the use of lithium-ion batteries this winter.
There have been 115 lithium-ion battery incidents in NSW so far this year, with 42 related to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Devices with lithium-ion batteries should be handled with care. Always follow safe charging, storage, and disposal practices to prevent fires, explosions and other possible hazards.
A working smoke alarm provides the earliest and most effective warning of a fire, giving residents the chance to get out and call triple zero (000).
Over the weekend firefighters were out doorknocking offering free inspections and potentially life-saving advice on everything from fire risks during winter to unsafe charging behaviour for lithium-ion batteries.
Crews will also install new smoke alarms for free in homes which need one.
Members of the public can book a free fire safety visit and have a new smoke alarm installed all year round by visiting http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits.
“This winter the NSW Government wants to ensure households have a working smoke alarm installed. They can give residents the crucial seconds needed to get everyone out safely,” Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said.
“In my own community of Bankstown, dozens of fires broke out in homes last winter, and more than half of those homes didn’t have a working smoke alarm installed.
“If you need help, our firefighters are here for you. To test a smoke alarm please book a safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website or by calling your local fire station.”
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