Central Coast households are urged to check their smoke alarms as part of the Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual Winter Fire Safety campaign launched recently.
Of the 45 fires that broke out on the Central Coast in 2024, 29% did not have working fire alarms.
As winter begins and temperatures drop, Fire and Rescue crews typically see a 13% increase in house fires compared with the rest of the year.
From June 1 to August 30 last year, more than 1,000 fires broke out in NSW homes, killing 12 people and injuring more than 100 others.
In 44% of winter home fires there was no working smoke alarm, or the alarm failed to alert when the fire broke out.
Throughout 2024 there were 3,674 home fires, killing 25 people across NSW and in 45% of these homes, there was no working smoke alarm.
Fire and Rescue NSW also continues to urge the community to remain vigilant around the use of lithium-ion batteries this Winter with 115 lithium-ion battery incidents in NSW so far this year – 42 related to e-bikes and e-scooters.
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.
As part of the campaign, firefighters doorknocked offering free inspections and potentially life-saving advice on everything from fire risks during winter to unsafe charging behaviour for lithium-ion batteries.
Crews will also install new smoke alarms for free in homes which need one.
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.
“This Winter the NSW Government wants to ensure households have a working smoke alarm installed,” Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said.
“They can give residents the crucial seconds needed to get everyone out safely.
“If you need help, our firefighters are here for you.
“To test a smoke alarm please book a safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website or by calling your local fire station.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the risk of fires in homes increased during the colder months as people tried to stay warm and cook more hot meals.
“Keep looking when cooking – never leave cooking unattended and don’t throw water onto a fat fire as it will intensify the flames – use a fire blanket or extinguisher instead,” he said.
