NSW households in across Western NSW are urged to check their smoke alarms as the Minns Labor Government launches Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual ‘Winter Fire Safety’ campaign.
As winter begins and temperatures drop, Fire and Rescue crews typically see a 13 per cent increase in house fires compared with the rest of the year. Throughout 2024 there were 3,674 home fires, killing 25 people across NSW. In 45 per cent of these homes, there was no working smoke alarm.
Stephen Lawrence, MLC said: “Our local firefighters can provide free alarm inspections and life-saving advice on everything from winter fire risks to unsafe charging behaviour for lithium-ion batteries.
“If you can’t put in your own smoke alarm, please contact a local crew who will install one for free.”
Fire and Rescue NSW continues to urge the community to remain vigilant around the use of lithium-ion batteries this winter.
Devices with lithium-ion batteries should be handled with care. Always follow safe charging, storage, and disposal practices to prevent fires, explosions and other possible hazards.
A working smoke alarm provides the earliest and most effective warning of a fire, giving residents the chance to get out and call triple zero (000).Members of the public can book a free fire safety visit and have a new smoke alarm installed all year round by visiting www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits.