Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators are working with NSW Police to establish the cause of a fatal house fire in Sydney’s north-west now.
Firefighters were called just after 10:30 am to Church Street, Ryde, where a small blaze had broken out inside a unit on the second floor of a three-storey building.
FRNSW's FIRU
FRNSW crews, wearing breathing apparatus, immediately entered the smoke-filled unit and carried out a search for occupants. They located the body of a woman, who had sustained severe burns.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, before a crime scene was declared. Experts from FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) are assisting detectives in determining what caused the fire.
Second fire-related fatality in NSW
The woman’s death is the second fire-related fatality in NSW since winter began two weeks ago
The woman’s death is the second fire-related fatality in NSW since winter began two weeks ago. Earlier this month, another woman was killed in a house fire, from which a man and two children narrowly escaped, in the state’s central west.
FRNSW Superintendent - Adam Dewberry said, as investigations continue, these tragedies serve as a reminder to others about fire safety in the cooler months.
Fire-related deaths and injuries
"Winter is usually when our firefighters respond to more house fires, and unfortunately, more fire-related deaths and injuries," said Supt Adam Dewberry, adding "Having two fire-related deaths just two weeks into winter is devastating and impacts so many people, including the victims’ families and friends, our firefighters and the broader community."
He continues, "Please make today the day you prioritize thinking about how you can make yourself and your loved ones safer in your home and protected against fire."
Households are encouraged to follow these tips:
- Keep looking when cooking
- Keep all flammable items at least one meter from the heater/fireplace
- Don’t use outdoor cooking equipment such as BBQs and gas/charcoal cookers inside
- Clean the lint filter in the dryer before use
- Keep candles away from curtains and don’t leave them unattended
- Don’t overload power boards or power points
- Ensure the flue and chimney are regularly cleaned
- Don’t smoke or use wheat bags in bed
- If the clothes catch fire, stop, drop, cover, and roll
- Once they’ve evacuated during a fire, don’t re-enter the property
Also, be cautious when charging various electronic devices around the home:
- Only charge e-bikes, e-scooters, and power tools in the garage or shed, away from living areas and exit doors.
- Never use or charge batteries or equipment showing signs of damage such as swelling, leaking, discolouration, or odors.
- Only use chargers that comply with relevant standards and have been supplied with, or deemed compatible with, the battery or device
- Never leave devices powered by lithium-ion, like mobile phones, cordless vacuum cleaners, and power tool batteries, on charge for extended periods (e.g., overnight) and unattended. Switch off once fully charged.
- Don’t charge phones on the pillow or in bed. Only charge the devices on hard surfaces
- Buy products from reputable brands and suppliers. Avoid using second hand batteries with an unknown history.
How to escape a house fire?
Please assist friends, neighbors and loved ones to ensure their smoke alarms are working and ensure they know how to escape a house fire.
If the smoke alarm is a faded yellow color, its 10-year life span is up and it needs replacing and always ensure the alarm’s batteries are working. Firefighters can inspect the home for fire risks and install a free smoke alarm where necessary.
