Recently-installed smoke alarms have saved the lives of a family of 10 during an overnight house fire at Macquarie Fields in Sydney’s south-west.
Three Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) trucks and 12 firefighters initially responded to the blaze in the two-level house around 2.15 this morning. They called in another two fire trucks and crews as the fire took hold of the home.
new smoke alarms
FRNSW crews returned to the house around 6.30 am when the fire re-ignited in the roof
FRNSW crews visited the property just last week and carried out a fire safety inspection, installing two new smoke alarms to protect the family.
Those smoke alarms activated overnight, waking the family during the fire and allowing it to escape unharmed. Six people self-evacuated from the house and another four family members exited a granny flat on the property.
The fire has damaged 80-percent of the ground floor and 30- percent of the second. FRNSW crews returned to the house around 6.30 am when the fire re-ignited in the roof.
Benefits of working smoke alarms
The blaze has been extinguished and a cause is being determined. FRNSW Zone Commander, Greg Wright, said local FRNSW crews are taking the opportunity to visit neighbouring properties now to press home the benefits of working smoke alarms.
“Winter is just days away and we’re reminding the public to test its smoke alarms to ensure they’re in good working order and ready to save lives,” said Superintendent Greg Wright.
