FRNSW warns residents after horror week of fire

Published: 22nd May 2020

Fire and Rescue NSW is warning residents to be extra fire aware in their homes after more than 100 fires damaged homes, caused serious injury and resulted in two fatalities this week.

During the fires recorded this week nine people were injured, while twin three-year-old girls lost their lives in Batlow on Monday.

13 house fires were recorded on Thursday alone.

FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Field Operations Jeremy Fewtrell said with the winter period compounded by more people staying at home during a global pandemic, people need to be extra vigilant about home fire safety.

“We are very concerned with the large number of fires we have seen this week across NSW so we urge people to stay safe and aware of any risk of fire while they are at home,” Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell said.

“As the global pandemic has hit leading up to winter it means that more people will be at home for longer periods and that unfortunately increases the risk of fire, which we have already seen this week.

“I urge everyone to be extra vigilant about fire safety at home to protect themselves and their families, so we avoid tragedies like we have already seen so far in this winter period.” “FRNSW have now launched their Get Ready For Winter checklist online and are urging the community to download this and ensure their homes are prepared.” FRNSW provides the following tips for fire safety in the home:

  • Only working smoke alarms double the chance of survival – regularly check your alarm is working.
  • Keep looking when cooking - do not leave cooking unattended at any time.
  • Know and practice your fire escape plan
  • Don’t overload power points and power boards.
  • Always keep a metre from the heater
  • If there is a fire get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000)

For more information on home fire safety visit https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9284

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B-Roll Footage

Winter fire safety demonstration: https://vimeo.com/418744294/c63e39b43e

House fire footage: https://vimeo.com/401179659/83dea5cc8b