Book a free smoke alarm test

With more than half of the house fires attended by firefighters not having a working smoke alarm and a 12 percent increase in those fires over winter, FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Community Safety, David Felton, said it’s a question that should be on everyone’s mind.
There were 1,063 residential fires across NSW during winter this year, an increase of 119 on the same season last year, and eight people were killed in preventable residential fires, compared to 17 deaths in 2022.
In 43 per cent of cases, fires broke out in kitchens or cooking areas, 11 percent in the bedroom, six percent in lounge rooms and four percent in garages and workshops.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Felton said the figures reinforced the need for working smoke alarms in homes.
He said a smoke alarm that wasn’t working wouldn’t protect you or your loved ones if a fire broke out.
”Invest a few dollars in a smoke alarm or two and ensure they’re rigged to sound in unison if flames do occur,” he said.
“Increase your chance of survival by creating a home evacuation plan, identifying practical escape routes in your home.
“Also remember to look out for seniors or older loved ones in our communities.
“They might need your help to remain safe from fires in their homes.”
Book a free home safety visit from FRNSW at fire.nsw.gov.au/visits. Firefighters will inspect your home, provide safety advice and even fit a 10-year smoke alarm, free of charge, if necessary.