Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, recalled similar cold snaps in winter 2022, when a record 17 people in NSW died and more than 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by fire.
He is warning the public to be extra cautious when using heaters and fireplaces to stay warm at home.
“We know winter is the time of year when we see the greatest number of home fires and that gets even worse when there’s a cold snap,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“It’s really important that our fire crews are out and about in their communities and sharing advice about how to stay safe.”
He said if you’re looking for extra heating sources, “make sure you choose a safe option”.
“Don’t bring barbecues, or outdoor heaters and cookers inside … they can generate poisonous carbon monoxide fumes … which are tasteless, odourless and colourless, and can render you unconscious, potentially causing death,” he said.
“If you’ve got a heater on, ensure you keep things a ‘metre from the heater’ and make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in your home to keep you and your loved ones safe.”
Safe heater alert in cold snap
THE community is being urged not to take risks when trying to stay warm, with the winter cold snap gripping the State expected to bring even colder weather.
