CONCERN OVER FIRE STATISTICS THIS WINTER

BY SARAH WATERS

SENIOR NSW firefighters have expressed concern over a sharp rise in residential fires in the state this winter urging the public to end the complacency over household smoke alarms.

There were 337 residential fires in June this year - an increase of 24 fires compared to the same period last year. Reports show there has been a 28 per cent rise in kitchen fires from 117 to 150.

While fires in bedrooms have risen 19 per cent from 26 to 31 and fires in loungerooms have risen 12 per cent from 17 to 19.

FRNSW Acting Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations Trent Curtin said fire crews still turned up to house fires where smoke alarms weren’t working, or they didn’t exist at all.

“That’s true in 44 per cent of home fires so far this winter,” Mr Curtin said.

“This time last year, it was 45 per cent - people are still not heeding our warning - smoke alarms save lives.

“An affordable smoke alarm, purchased at a hardware store, can provide you with peace of mind that you and your loved ones are protected.

“If your loved ones or neighbours are elderly, give them a helping hand and ensure they’re protected,” he said.

Mr Curtin said the number of kitchen fires was a worry.

He urged the public to keep ‘looking when cooking’ and invest in a fire extinguisher and fire blanket to store near the kitchen.

“Throwing water over a stove fire will only make it worse, use a fire blanket to smother the