Following a spate of house fires, this time 12 months ago, Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) annual Winter Fire Safety campaign is an apt reminder for Lake Macquarie residents.
From 1 June to 30 August 2024, 19 blazes ripped through residences in the LGA and a further 45 on the Central Coast, with 68% and 29% of those properties respectively not boasting working smoke alarms.
With temperatures now dropping rapidly, and the coldest season of the year well underway, FRNSW crews typically witness a 13% increase in house fires.
“We had quite a few [house fires] in Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast last winter and, sadly, many didn’t have working smoke alarms,” Swansea MP Yasmin Catley said.
“Working smoke alarms can save lives, so don’t risk it.
“Take a minute to check yours or get them installed.
“If your smoke alarms are broken or missing, call your local brigade for a free Fire Safety Visit and they’ll install them free-of-charge.”
Throughout 2024, there were 3,674 home fires, killing 25 people.
In 45% of these cases, no working smoke alarm was evident.
FRNSW continues to urge the community to remain vigilant around the use of lithium-ion batteries this winter, too.
There have been 115 incidents in NSW so far this year, with 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.
“The risk of fires in our homes rises during the colder months as we try to stay warm and cook more hot meals,” Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.
“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.”
A working smoke alarm provides the earliest and most effective warning of a fire, giving residents the chance to get out and phone Triple Zero (000).
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.
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