House fire safety warning -
Published: 27 Apr 2022 10:30am
The Acting Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner is appealing to the public to take extra safety precautions amid a spate of house fires across the state that's already claimed one life overnight.
Fire crews from four appliances forced their way into a burning home at Ambarvale in Sydney's south-west around 10.20 last night and located a 34-year-old man unconscious in the smoke.
They carried him outside where they applied CPR.
However, he died at the scene.
It was one of 12 major house fires across New South Wales since Sunday.
Sunday 24 April
Unit fire at Metford
Monday 25 April
Unit fire - Brighton Le Sands
House fire - Casuarina
House fire - Claymore
Unit fire - Lakemba
House fire - Condell Park
Tuesday 26 April
House fire - Orange
House fire - Adamstown
House fire - Lower Belford
House fire - North Albury
House fire - Ambarvale
Wednesday 27 April
House fire - Ben Lomond
Whilst the cause of some of those blazes are still under investigation, Acting Commissioner Fewtrell is urging the public to ensure their homes are safe from fire.
"We're getting into the colder months now and it's our busiest period for structure fires," he said, "Please, check your smoke alarms are in working order and make sure you have an up-to-date fire plan in the event of an emergency.
"If you are unable to check your smoke alarms, which you should have installed in accordance with the law, then reach out to your local Fire Station and we'll attend your address and check them for you.
"Also, ensure any dryers and heaters in your home are cleaned and in working order...they're often the cause of house fires...and keep any chimneys or flues serviced and functioning.
"Don't leave wet clothes drying on heaters...they can easily catch fire which can spread and engulf your entire home.
"We've witnessed a tragic house fire overnight in Sydney's south-west.
"We are still determining the cause of that fire but a man has lost his life, despite the valiant efforts of our firefighters.
"We don't want any more lives lost...please take precautions now to prevent any further tragedies."
Updated: 27 Apr 2022 10:30am
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Learn how to prevent fires from heaters and open fires.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]