Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding the public about the importance of having a working smoke alarm, with the devices preventing tragedy in a recent spate of house fires.
In August, a Mudgee resident was alerted to a fire in their living room; the result of a piece of fireplace timber that hadn’t fully extinguished from the night before.
FRNSW firefighters
In September, FRNSW firefighters were called to a home on Constantia Road, where an oven fire had taken place. Last week, FRNSW responded to calls of a unit fire in Mudgee, where they found a toilet on fire, emitting large volumes of smoke.
Crews extinguished the blaze within a few minutes, successfully containing it to the toilet area. In each of these cases, the residents were alerted by the sounds of the smoke alarm, allowing them to act quickly and call Triple Zero (000).
Working smoke alarm
FRNSW firefighters were called to a home on Constantia Road, where an oven fire had taken place
Mudgee Fire Station Captain, Mark Collins, said these incidents should serve as a reminder for anyone without a working smoke alarm in their home.
“Luckily, these residents had a working smoke alarm that they checked and maintained regularly,” Captain Collins said. “When they heard the alarm sound, they were able to act quickly and calmly, calling Triple Zero (000) straight away."
Fire safety and fire escape plans
Collins added: “Without these life-saving devices, people are putting their lives and the lives of their family at risk. People cannot smell smoke when they are asleep, so it's crucial to have working smoke alarms in your home. We encourage residents to contact us for a free Home Fire Safety Visit if they are unsure how to check or replace the devices."
“Firefighters will come to your home and check your smoke alarm is working and if required, will install a new one free of charge. The crews discuss potential hazards, fire safety equipment, and offer personalised fire safety and fire escape plans,” he added, “It’s a great opportunity for residents to ask local firefighters any questions they may have about fire safety.”