ELECTRIC BLANKET CAUSES FATAL HOUSE BLAZE IN YAMBA

BY SARAH WATERS

FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) are urging residents to remain vigilant about fire risks during winter following the death of a 73-yearold woman in Yamba last week.

On June 27, neighbours at a retirement village on Orion Drive, Yamba, carried an elderly woman out of her burning, single-level home just after 9pm.

Firefighters and NSW Ambulance Paramedics desperately tried to revive the unconscious woman, who had suffered smoke inhalation, but were unable to.

Fire crews from Yamba, Maclean and Grafton extinguished the house blaze.

Experts from the FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) examined the scene and determined a faulty electric blanket started the blaze.

Fire investigator Inspector Chris Hughes said extreme caution was needed when using electric blankets this winter.

“It’s essential that you check any electric blankets for worn out or bent wiring,” Mr Hughes said.

“If the blanket’s been compromised electrically, don’t take any chances.

“If there’s brown scorching on the blanket or a frayed power cord, then throw it out and replace it.

“It’s also crucial to remember that electric blankets should not remain on all night - use them to warm your bed and switch them off to reduce the fire risk,” he said.

Firefighters said the home was fitted with a smoke alarm but they’re not certain it was working.

The incident comes less than two months after Fire and Rescue NSW launched their Winter Fire Safety Campaign. The campaign aims to educate the public about fire risks during winter.

Residents are urged to check their smoke alarms are working and are installed in living areas and bedrooms.

Other tips to keep fire safe during the cooler months, include ‘keep looking when cooking’, not overloading power boards, clearing lint from dryers and keeping towels at least one meter away from heaters.

Residents can phone their local fire station to book a free safety visit from firefighters, who come to the house and ensure fire alarms are installed properly. About 20 people die in NSW each year from fires that could have been prevented. Most of these fires occur in homes. For further information on fire safety please visit: www.fire.nsw.gov. au/

Each year, Council actively participates in The Aussie Bird Count, a community science initiative organised by BirdLife Australia.

BirdLife Australia has been at the forefront of preserving native bird species and promoting biodiversity for over 120 years, making it an integral part of the nation’s bird conservation efforts.

The Aussie Bird Count initiative serves as a platform for individuals to become citizen scientists by contributing to the collection of critical data on bird populations and distribution. These observations play a vital role in informing conservation strategies and management decisions.

By encouraging participants to explore urban environments and connect with nature, the event promotes a sense of responsibility towards preserving birdlife and biodiversity.

Count summary for the Lismore 2022 survey

The count ran from 17–23 October 2022. The following statistics summarise the results of the 2022 Aussie Bird Count for the Lismore local government area. 432 observers participated in the Bird Count, submitting 659 counts.

Participants recorded a total of 18,477 individual birds during Bird Week.

160 bird species were recorded

Casino Beef Week Named Finalist for Festival/Event of the Year at the 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards

CASINO, NSW – The Casino Food Co-op Casino Beef Week, the renowned celebration of the vibrant beef industry and agricultural heritage, is proud to announce its selection as a finalist for the Festival/Event of the Year category at the highly anticipated 2023 North Coast Tourism Awards.

Casino Beef Week has long been a highlight on the festival calendar, attracting locals, domestic tourists, and international visitors to the beautiful town of Casino on the NSW North Coast. The event highlights the region’s rich culture, agricultural legacy, and the world-renowned beef industry, making it a must-attend experience for all.

Being named a finalist for Festival/Event of the Year is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire Casino Beef Week team, as well as the support of the local community and stakeholders. This recognition affirms the festival’s exceptional contribution to the visitor economy and its commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Casino Beef Week stands out as an utterly unique festival within the agricultural and food industry sector. With a focus on the beef industry and a comprehensive range of activities and events, the festival captivates audiences of all ages and backgrounds.