NSW firefighters begin Winter Fire Safety blitz | Australian Markets

NSW households are urged to verify their smoke alarms because the Minns Labor Government launches Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual ‘Winter Fire Safety’ marketing campaign at this time.

As winter begins and temperatures drop, Fire and Rescue crews sometimes see a 13 per cent increase in home fires in contrast with the remaining of the yr.

From 1 June to 30 August 2024, more than 1000 fires broke out in NSW properties, killing 12 people and injuring more than 100 others.

In 44 per cent of winter home fires there was no working smoke alarm, or the alarm did not alert when the fire broke out. 42 per cent of winter fires in 2024 broke out in family kitchens.

Throughout 2024 there have been 3,674 home fires, killing 25 people throughout NSW. In 45 per cent of these properties, there was no working smoke alarm.

Fire and Rescue NSW continues to induce the neighborhood to stay vigilant across the use of lithium-ion batteries this winter.

There have been 115 lithium-ion battery incidents in NSW to this point this yr, with 42 associated to e-bikes and e-scooters.

Devices with lithium-ion batteries ought to be dealt with with care. Always comply with secure charging, storage, and disposal practices to forestall fires, explosions and different attainable hazards.

A working smoke alarm offers the earliest and simplest warning of a fire, giving residents the possibility to get out and call triple zero (000).

Today, firefighters shall be doorknocking offering free inspections and probably life-saving advice on the whole lot from fire dangers during winter to unsafe charging behaviour for lithium-ion batteries.

Crews may also set up new smoke alarms without spending a dime in properties which need one.

Members of the public can guide a free fire security go to and have a new smoke alarm put in all yr spherical by visiting http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib stated:

“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.

“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.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell stated:

“The risk of fires in our homes increases during the colder months as we try to stay warm and cook more hot meals.

“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.”

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