Smoke alarm warnings after findings in residential fires

FIRE agencies are urging residents to check smoke alarms and review evacuation plans after a spate of deadly house fires across New South Wales this winter.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said working smoke alarms were often missing in the homes his crews attended.

“In almost half of all fires we attended this winter, there was no smoke alarm, or it was not working,” he said.

“People don’t realise we can’t smell smoke while we sleep. Without an alarm, you might never wake up.”

Fire services say cooking fires remain the leading cause of house fires in the state, with many incidents linked to unattended stoves, overloaded power boards or flammable items placed near heaters.

Fewer than one in ten fires were linked to electrical faults.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin urged households in rural and remote areas to plan ahead in case of fire.

“Being prepared is your best protection against the risk of fire, and having a working smoke alarm and a well-rehearsed escape plan could mean the difference between life and death,” he said.

People with disabilities or impairments can book a home safety visit, where firefighters will install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm and replace any flat batteries.