TRAGIC WINTER START PROMPTS RENEWED HOUSE FIRE WARNING

Residents across NSW are urged to be extra fire-safe following a horror start to the colder months, with five house fire fatalities in the first three weeks of winter.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the number of lives lost so far already exceeds the 2021 winter death toll.

“Every life lost in a house fire is a tragedy, but there are simple precautions everyone can take to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during the colder months,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s essential to have a working smoke alarm. Fire can engulf a home in a matter of minutes and while smoke won’t wake you up, a smoke alarm will, which could be the difference between life and death.

“Please follow the advice of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and double check your smoke alarm is working, keep clothes a metre from the heater and don’t leave cooking unattended.”

FRNSW crews have attended 202 house fires across the State since 1 June. 42 per cent of those homes did not have working smoke alarms, while a further 16 per cent did not a have smoke alarm installed.

FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Megan Stiffler said homeowners can contact their local fire station to arrange a home fire safety visit.

“Our firefighters will come around to your home to check smoke alarms and even replace them if necessary at no cost. It’s also a great opportunity to ask for advice from the experts on how you can keep yourself and your family warm but safe,” Deputy Commissioner Stiffler said.

“Our firefighters are dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable but it’s important everyone takes steps to safeguard their homes from the threat of fire, especially during winter.”

FRNSW’s suggested home safety measures are available at: www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter.