Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a fire in a kitchen range hood in Wollongong this afternoon, after residents were alerted to the blaze by their working smoke alarm.
Just before 2.00 pm, crews responded to reports of a fire in a unit on level four of a residential building in Crown Street.
Fire extinguishers and fire hose reels used
On arrival, firefighters found a fire in the kitchen of the unit. Using fire extinguishers and on-site fire hose reels, they swiftly brought the blaze under control, preventing significant damage to the remainder of the property.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the kitchen range hood
The unit’s working smoke alarms played a critical role in the incident, alerting the occupant to the fire early, which allowed firefighters to act quickly and limit the impact of the damage.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the kitchen range hood. However, further inquiries are ongoing. There were no injuries reported. This is a timely reminder that only working smoke alarms save lives.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) recommends:
- Test the smoke alarm/s to ensure they are working. If not, change the batteries or replace the alarm.
- Check the smoke alarm is in date. Smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years.
- Give the smoke alarm a vacuum, if not done so in the last six months, to remove dust and any insects.
