New figures reveal that last winter, nearly half (49 per cent) of the 1,080 homes that were impacted by fire did not have a working smoke alarm, or any alarm, in place.
The most residential fires last winter occurred in Canterbury-Bankstown (243), closely followed by the inner city (Sydney – 241), the Central Coast (235) and Blacktown (228), with kitchen fires the most common.
Winter in 2022 was particularly deadly for house fires, with a record 17 deaths – more than four times the total of the previous winter – and 87 people injured. During that season, exactly half of the 959 houses that caught alight did not have a working smoke alarm.
FRNSW is amping up its efforts to warn people about the dangers of smoke alarm complacency, enlisting the help of sports stars in a social media campaign to better connect with communities and establishing its own awareness day, Smoke Alarm Action Day.
Sports stars including netball star Maddy Turner (NSW Swifts/Australian Diamonds) and a range for players including Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jaydn Su’A (St George Illawarra Dragons), Stephen Crichton and Georgia Ravics (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), and Suia Wongand Keeley Davis (Sydney Roosters), will feature in social media video messages encouraging households to fit a smoke alarm in their home or have their existing alarm checked.
FRNSW will hold its inaugural Smoke Alarm Action Day on June 1 to kick off the agency’s Winter Fire Safety Campaign and mark the commencement of a dangerous period for house fires.
FRNSW also conducts community outreach programs to engage culturally and linguistically diverse communities in smoke alarm and fire safety messaging.
Residents can book a home fire safety visit when firefighters can install smoke alarms free of charge and find further advice on the FRNSW website at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said: “In Sydney’s growing North West, it’s essential that every household has a working fire alarm.”
“We have some of the best local firefighters. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance installing your alarm. Riverstone is home to the most young families in New South Wales. It’s crucial that we keep each other safe.”
