Tragically, between June and August last year, there were 16 residential fire deaths across NSW – the highest death toll on record and four times the 2021 winter total – 87 people were injured and of the 897 house fires, almost 45 per cent didn’t have active smoke alarms and 20 per cent had no smoke alarm at all.
With the colder months upon us, FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter has urged residents to get their alarms tested and said that most of the deaths could have been avoided.
“Working smoke alarms save lives and sadly complacency can be deadly,” he said.
“Simple steps can help save you, your loved ones or your neighbours needlessly dying from fire in your home.”
Test your alarm by pressing the button on the device – if you can’t reach it, use a broom – and if the alarm activates, it is okay … if it doesn’t, replace the battery or get a new smoke alarm. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said he was concerned at the number of smoke alarms that hadn’t been tested and were no longer working and also urged residents to have a home safety escape plan.
You can book a home safety visit from your local fire crew at fire.nsw.gov.au. Firefighters can discuss safety options with you and install a free smoke alarm if needed.
