A working smoke alarm has saved a woman's life during a fierce house fire at Hamilton in Newcastle.
Fifteen Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) units from across Newcastle, including an aerial platform and Rescue and HAZMAT trucks, responded to the single storey home, in Bennett Street around 2.15 am.
Wearing breathing apparatus
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, battled the third alarm blaze as it engulfed the property.
The woman's life was saved when she was woken in bed by her smoke alarm and rushed outside to escape the intense blaze. The house was destroyed as flames leapt to a neighboring home, causing additional damage.
Fire working smoke alarm
Brian Smart, said the fire could have proved deadly if not for the working smoke alarm
Firefighters extinguished the flames, which re-ignited around 7 am. FRNSW Newcastle Zone Commander, Brian Smart, said the fire could have proved deadly if not for the working smoke alarm.
"It appears the woman was asleep when the flames broke out," said Superintendent Brian Smart, adding "You can't smell when you're asleep - a working smoke alarm can rouse you from your slumber though and give you a chance to escape."
Inspect the home
Superintendent Smart continues: "That's what's happened in this case, the occupant of this home is alive because her alarm was in working order. Especially with winter approaching, we urge everyone to test your smoke alarms and make sure you and your loved ones are protected."
He further states, "If your alarm's not working, get it fixed or replaced immediately...don't put it off. Your local crew will inspect your home and install a 10-year smoke alarm free of charge if necessary."
