The Northern Rivers Times
October 19, 2023
12 NEWS
Fire and Rescue NSW concerned about increasing rate of winter fires Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has determined there was a 12-percent increase in house fires during winter this year, sparking calls for more working smoke alarms in NSW homes. The latest statistics gathered by FRNSW indicate there were 1063 residential fires during winter this year, an increase of 119 on the same season last year. It’s the largest number of winter residential fires in NSW since 2019 when 1092 such blazes were recorded. Eight people were killed in preventable winter residential fires this year, compared to 17 deaths in 2022. There were 115 people injured by fires in the home this winter, an increase of 28 on last year. The leading cause of winter residential fires this year was human activity (557 cases), followed by undetermined causes
(135), arson (108), electrical faults (66) and overheating (45). In 462 or 43-percent of cases, fires broke out in kitchens or cooking areas; 113 or 11-percent
in the bedroom; 63 fires or six percent in loungerooms; and 40 or four percent in garages and workshops. FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner
– Community Safety, David Felton, said the figures reinforce the need for working smoke alarms in New South Wales homes. “When was the last
time you checked your home’s smoke alarm was working?” Act. Assistant Commissioner Felton, said. “In almost half the fires we go to each winter,
there’s no working smoke alarm present. “That’s not going to protect you or your loved ones if a fire breaks out,” he said. ”Invest a few dollars in a smoke alarm or two and ensure they’re rigged to sound in unison if flames do occur. “Increase your chance of survival by creating a home evacuation plan, identifying practical escape routes in your home. “Also remember to look out for seniors or older loved ones in our communities. “They might need your help to remain safe from fires in their homes.” “You can easily book a free home safety visit from FRNSW by visiting our website: https:// www.fire.nsw.gov.au/ visits “Firefighters will inspect your home, provide safety advice and even fit a 10-year smoke alarm, free of charge, if necessary.”
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