The wet weather did not deter the crowds from attending Fire and Rescue NSW’s Open Day at the Museum of Fire in Penrith. Hit animated preschool property, PAW Patrol, from Nickelodeon and Spin Master Entertainment, entertained the kids and helped to spread the message of how to “be fire safe”.
FRNSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Steer was also on hand at the event which featured a range of free displays and activities in the museum grounds including PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall costume characters, fire trucks, historic fire engines, road crash rescue, Hazmat, RPAS (drones), Ignitable Liquid Detection dogs, kitchen fire simulation, FRNSW band, Museum of Fire stall, and much more.
140 years of Fire and Rescue NSW
The special event marked 140 years of Fire and Rescue NSW and visitors toured the museum to see how firefighting has changed over the years.
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said Open Day was a much-anticipated annual event enjoyed by people of all ages as well as an opportunity for firefighters to educate the community about the importance of having a working smoke alarm, especially in the lead-up to winter.
“Open Day is an exciting day for both the community and our firefighters who love to demonstrate the variety of work they do. Importantly, it is also a chance for them to talk people about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from fires," Commissioner Fewtrell said.
Death from fire hazards
"Each year around 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented, while hundreds more suffer life-changing health consequences. Each death and injury are tragic for families, friends and the wider community,” continued Commissioner Fewtrell
“This year, we want you to prepare your homes early for winter. We see a 10% increase in the number of home fires during the cooler months, with more fires starting in bedrooms and loungerooms due to things like heaters and electric blankets. Now is the time to replace your smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old. Remember, only working smoke alarms save lives.”
Advice on lithium-ion batteries
Commissioner Fewtrell said firefighters also provided advice on lithium-ion batteries at Open Day.
“Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, e-bikes and e-scooters and although these devices make our lives easier, they have the potential to put us at risk,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in NSW so it is important for people to understand how to charge devices safely and what they can do if they catch fire.”
