Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters hit the streets of Hazelbrook on Saturday, conducting home fire safety visits and educating locals about fire risks in their homes this festive season.
Firefighters from Lawson, Wentworth Falls and Katoomba carried out dozens of safety visits, providing personalised fire safety advice and installing smoke alarms, free of charge, as required.
Real fire safety risks
Overloading and failing to check power boards and power points also pose real fire safety risks
During the festive season, overloading and failing to check power boards and power points also pose real fire safety risks, so crews paid close attention to the setup of festive lights.
Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest-growing fire risk in NSW. While incidents in the Blue Mountains LGA are minimal, firefighters focused on highlighting the associated risks and best practice when it comes to buying, charging and recycling products containing lithium-ion.
E-micromobility devices
Lithium-ion batteries are found in small portable devices such as phones, laptops and power tools, as well as in larger devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters. FRNSW has recorded 289 battery-related incidents so far this year, surpassing last year’s record number (272).
Small portable devices have accounted for the most incidents in 2024 (100) so far, while there have been 89 fires involving e-micromobility devices. Residents do not need to wait for a firefighter to come knocking as anyone can book a home fire safety visit either online at the website or by calling the local Fire and Rescue NSW fire station.
Home fire safety
Lithium-ion batteries are found in small portable devices such as phones, laptops and power tools
Quotes attributable to Station Officer, Jarrod McGrouther: "Home fire safety visits are a great way for us to reach and engage with people and educate them about fire risks around their home, especially those that can increase over the festive season."
He adds, "We come to your home, conduct a safety check and offer advice on smoke alarms and the correct use of power boards, as well as safe charging practices of lithium-ion battery-powered devices."
Overloaded electrical circuits
Jarrod McGrouther continues, "While getting into the spirit of Christmas with lots of lights and other accessories is great fun, overenthusiastic decorating can lead to overloaded electrical circuits. Please dispose of old or damaged lithium-ion devices responsibly. Don’t throw them out with the household rubbish as they can cause intense, dangerous fires when they’re crushed in garbage trucks and refuse tips."
He concludes, "We successfully engaged with dozens of community members today, however we encourage all residents to help keep their family safe by booking a free home fire safety visit."
