Don’t be complacent on fire safety

There were 1001 residential fires and 105 people injured.

In 422 (42 per cent) cases, fires broke out in kitchens or cooking areas, 95 in the bedroom, 79 in lounge rooms, and 51 in chimneys/flues.

The leading cause of residential fires was human activity (494) followed by arson (138), undetermined causes (123), electrical faults (77) and overheating (40).

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the statistics reinforce the importance of having a working smoke alarm in your home.

“In almost half of all fires we attend each winter, there is no smoke alarm or it is not in working order,” he said.

“These figures are very sobering and should be a wake-up call for people to take home fire safety seriously.

“The best way to avoid tragedy and protect you and your loved ones is to have a working smoke alarm.”

Commissioner Fewtrell said of particular concern is the increase of lithium-ion battery fires across the state.

“Since January 1, FRNSW has attended more than 210 lithium-ion battery fires where people have been injured and property severely damaged. Sadly, two people also lost their lives.”

FRNSW recommends a smoke alarm be installed in any room, garage or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly charged or stored.

Safe charging practices should be adhered to, and you should only use an approved replacement battery or charger from the manufacturer - never ‘mix and match’ components.

You should never touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapour or gas, or is on fire. Immediately evacuate the area and call Triple Zero (000).

Commissioner Fewtrell said if residents require assistance in making their home fire safe, they can book a free safety visit.

“Local firefighters will come to your home and conduct a fire safety inspection, as well as install a working smoke alarm, free of charge, if necessary,” he said.

For more information or to book, go to www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits.