Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, has expressed concern about the current winter cold snap gripping the state, warning the public not to take risks when trying to stay warm.
Temperatures hit three degrees in Sydney’s south-west at 6.30 am, with a chill factor of 1.8 degrees, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Cold snaps in winter 2022
Commissioner Fewtrell recalls New South Wales experienced similar cold snaps in winter 2022
Commissioner Fewtrell recalls New South Wales experienced similar cold snaps in winter 2022, when a record 17 people died and more than one-thousand homes were damaged or destroyed by fire.
He is warning the public to be extra cautious when using heaters and fireplaces to stay warm at home.
"We know winter is the time of year when we see the greatest number of home fires and that gets even worse when there’s a cold snap," said Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.
fire crews and heating sources
"It’s really important that our fire crews are out and about in their communities and sharing advice about how to stay safe," said Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell, adding "If people are looking for extra heating sources, make sure you choose a safe option. Don’t bring barbecues, or outdoor heaters and cookers inside…they can generate poisonous carbon monoxide fumes…which are tasteless, odourless and colourless, and can render you unconscious, potentially causing death."
He continues, "If you’ve got a heater on, ensure you keep things a ‘meter from the heater’ and make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in your home to keep you and your loved ones safe."
Raise awareness and support
Commissioner Fewtrell will be among dozens of people braving the harsh winter conditions tonight
Commissioner Fewtrell will be among dozens of people braving the harsh winter conditions tonight as he participates in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout at the White Bay Cruise Terminal in Sydney. It will be the second sleepout for the Fire Commissioner.
"It’s a really important fundraiser to help raise awareness and support around homelessness," said Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell, adding "Vinnies do amazing work getting the funding and assistance to the people that need it most."
impacts of homelessness
Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell further states: "It’s probably going to be one of the coldest nights of the year so the timing will have maximum impact on the participants but it really does give you a first-hand appreciation of what the homeless deal with night after night. As firefighters, we see the impacts of homelessness every day…our firefighters in the cities, in the suburbs and the country towns as well, they’ll know where the homeless people are taking shelter."
He adds, "I’m very proud of the care and compassion that our firefighters show to the people that are doing it tough and living on the streets."
