Spring into action to prevent home fires this season - NSW
Published: 01 Sep 2023 11:25am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the public not to become complacent about home fire dangers now that winter has passed.
There were 930 residential fires across the state during spring last year and FRNSW reminds the public not to drop its guard during the warmer weather..
No fewer than 369 or 40% of last spring’s fires started in kitchens or cooking areas, prompting FRNSW to remind householders to invest in a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and working smoke alarms.
Never throw water onto a kitchen fire…it can make it worse, use a fire blanket instead.
It’s also vital to ensure ‘you’re looking while you’re cooking’…leaving an active stove unattended is a recipe for disaster.
This season also means ‘spring cleaning’ for many households.
Residents should clear out any rubbish, piles of newspapers, cardboard boxes, unused furniture and any other discarded materials that could fuel a fire.
The warmer weather means more outdoor entertaining.
Ensure LPG-fuelled barbecues are in good, working order and haven’t sprung a leak.
Check the hoses and connections before use.
Also, where necessary, begin preparing your home for the bushfire season.
Remove flammable materials from your yard and clear gutters of leaf litter and debris.
Check you have working smoke alarms in your home and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust particles that can reduce their performance.
Practice carrying out a home safety escape plan and ensure emergency exits are clear.
FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner – Community Safety, David Felton, said running through measures on a spring checklist can protect your loved ones and safeguard all you hold valuable.
“Minimise the risks and you have peace of mind,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Felton said, “If you’re uncertain about how safe your home is, you can visit our website and book a home safety visit.
“Our firefighters can come to your home, provide crucial advice and install or replace smoke alarms where necessary, free of charge.”
Updated: 01 Sep 2023 11:30am
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
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.
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]