NSW firies have already responded to 13 deadly fires and more than 680 residential fires this winter, including a fatal house fire in Bankstown, the destruction of the home of an elderly couple in Lakemba, and two at Punchbowl and Chester Hill where three people were injured – all in one week in July.
“We don’t want these numbers to continue climbing,” FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.
“We believe fire fatalities can be prevented if you follow the correct safety measures so please take the advice of our dedicated firefighters if they knock on your door for a safety visit.
“Winter is the worst time of year for home fires, and it only takes three minutes for a fire to take hold in your home so it is vitally important to have a working smoke alarm – it gives you early warning to get out as well as minimises the chance of injury or death.”
He is also urging people to check in on loved ones, elderly neighbours, parents, and grandparents to ensure they have a working smoke alarm and an escape plan in case a fire does break out in their home.
Minister for Emergency Services, Steph Cooke, says the public can reach out to their local fire station for help.
“Our FRNSW firefighters will come to your home to provide home fire safety advice, including help with installing a working smoke alarm. If you don’t have one they can install it for you at no cost,” she said.