Although winter has officially come to an end, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the community to remain vigilant about home fire safety.
This winter, FRNSW recorded 12 preventable residential fire deaths across NSW, an increase of four on last year’s fatality rate. There were 1,001 residential fires and 105 people injured.
Cause of residential fires
In 422 (42%) cases, fires broke out in kitchens or cooking areas; 95 (9%) in the bedroom
In 422 (42%) cases, fires broke out in kitchens or cooking areas; 95 (9%) in the bedroom; 79 (8%) in loungerooms; and 51 (5%) in chimneys/flues.
The pioneering cause of residential fires was human activity (494) followed by arson (138), undetermined causes (123), electrical faults (77) and overheating (40).
Importance of working smoke alarm
FRNSW Commissioner - Jeremy Fewtrell said the statistics reinforce the importance of having a working smoke alarm in the home.
“In almost half of all fires we attend each winter, there is no smoke alarm or it is not in working order,” said Commissioner Fewtrell, adding “These figures are very sobering and should be a wake-up call for people to take home fire safety seriously. The best way to avoid tragedy and protect you and your loved ones is to have a working smoke alarm.”
Increase in lithium-ion battery fires
Commissioner Fewtrell said of particular concern is the increase of lithium-ion battery fires across the state
Commissioner Fewtrell said of particular concern is the increase of lithium-ion battery fires across the state.
“Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in NSW,” said Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell, adding “Since 1 January, FRNSW has attended more than 210 lithium-ion battery fires where people have been injured and property severely damaged. Sadly, two people also lost their lives.”
FRNSW recommendation
- A smoke alarm be installed in any room, garage or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly charged or stored.
- Ensure safe charging practices are adhered to including:
- Always charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools outside, away from living spaces and exits.
- Never sleep or leave home with your lithium-ion battery devices charging.
- Once a device has fully charged, disconnect it from the charger.
- Never leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around combustible materials.
- Use an approved replacement battery or charger from the manufacturer and never ‘mix and match’ components.
- Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion battery devices.
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire.
- Do not touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapor or gas, or is on fire. Immediately evacuate the area and call Triple Zero (000).
Require assistance in making the home fire safe
Commissioner Fewtrell said if residents require assistance in making their home fire safe, they can book a free safety visit.
“Local firefighters will come to your home and conduct a fire safety inspection, as well as install a working smoke alarm, free of charge, if necessary,” said Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.
