Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) personnel recently hailed a young fire safety enthusiast from the Central Coast, shortly after safeguarding her family's house from potential destruction. The Doyalson brigade responded to a kitchen fire in a Blue Haven home at approximately 7:30 pm on Saturday, March 16.
The blaze, which started on a stovetop and spread to the range hood, was swiftly extinguished, preventing further damage to the roof void and wall cavity. During their response, firefighters noted a smoke alarm that was improperly installed and replaced it to ensure the home’s safety.
Fire Safety Awareness
Mia accurately explained the procedure of calling Triple-Zero (000) during emergencies
As the crew prepared to depart, Station Officer Dirk Ziekenheiner was approached by the homeowners' three-year-old daughter, Mia. She requested a story session, and it was then that Ziekenheiner discovered her impressive knowledge of fire safety, attributed to lessons taught by her parents.
Mia accurately explained the procedure of calling Triple-Zero (000) during emergencies and emphasized the need for evacuation and the importance of staying outside once escaped.
The station officer commended Mia’s family for emphasizing fire safety education and encouraged other families to nurture this knowledge from an early age.
Accessing Age-appropriate Resources
Station Officer Ziekenheiner reflected on the critical importance of knowing fire safety protocols, stating, "Knowing what to do in a fire can sometimes spell the difference between life and death, which is why it's critical everyone knows how to protect themselves and their loved ones."
He added, "I was blown away by how much knowledge Mia and her family had - they're clearly heeding our fire safety messages and prioritizing their survival. Our firefighters urge others to educate their own families on fire safety and remind them there are age-appropriate resources available if they need help doing so."
Meeting Firefighting Heroes
Mia’s father, James, expressed his daughter's excitement about meeting the firefighters, whom she recognizes as heroes from children's TV shows.
"Mia watches a lot of children's TV shows which feature firefighters, so she already knows they're heroes and they rescue people," James commented. "Having now seen first-hand the great work they do, we'll continue to spread the word about fire safety, and we encourage others to do the same. Our family never thought we'd come this close to losing our home to fire, so the key is to not be complacent about the risks."
