Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has issued a warning to Sydney residents, urging heightened awareness of fire risks in their homes. This call to action follows a significant increase in fires across the south-western suburbs of Sydney.
In recent weeks, FRNSW teams have tackled at least ten fires that have occurred in a variety of residential settings, including houses, units, and even garden sheds. The causes of these incidents have varied, with some linked to electrical faults and others to unattended cooking.
Increase in Residential Fires
The uptick in residential fires has led FRNSW South-West Zone Commander, Greg Wright, to stress the importance of vigilance. "Households can't afford to take their eye off the ball when it comes to the risk of fires," stated Superintendent Wright.
He emphasized that as temperatures drop, reliance on heaters and the preparation of hot meals tend to increase the risk. Data from last winter illustrates this trend, with New South Wales witnessing 1,063 residential fires, an increment of 119 from 2022. These incidents resulted in eight fatalities and 115 injuries, with human activity being responsible for 557 fires.
Focus on Kitchen Safety
Superintendent Wright noted that a significant 43% of these fires, amounting to 462 cases, originated in kitchens or cooking areas. He advised, "Keep looking while you're cooking," stressing the dangers of distraction in kitchens. Of the recent fires in the south-west, at least three were related to food igniting on stoves. Although fire crews managed to mitigate the damage timely, the risk remains high if vigilance is not maintained.
Smoke Alarm Recommendations
Wright also underscored the importance of operational smoke alarms as a primary safety measure. "The first thing residents should do is ensure they have at least one working smoke alarm installed in their homes," Wright recommended.
Residents are advised to test their smoke alarms regularly, replace them if necessary, or arrange for a Home Fire Safety Visit from local FRNSW teams who offer to fit smoke alarms at no charge. Moreover, any smoke alarms showing signs of age, like a yellow discoloration, should be replaced, as only working smoke alarms can save lives.
Recent Fires in South-West Sydney
The following is a list of residential fires recently responded to by FRNSW in South-West Sydney:
- April 1, 2024, Oakdale: Fire destroyed a 5x10m cottage.
- April 1, 2024, Camden South: Short circuit in the air conditioner resulted in a fire contained within the roof.
- March 31, 2024, Campbelltown: Fire destroyed a single-story home; residents were on holiday.
- March 27, 2024, Minto: Car fire in carport saved by fire crews.
- March 27, 2024, Campbelltown: Food caught fire but was extinguished by FRNSW crew. A new smoke alarm was installed.
- March 22, 2024, Lurnea: Two garden sheds full of stored materials caught fire. The owner escaped unharmed.
- March 19, 2024, Lurnea: Fire started in the dishwasher.
- March 19, 2024, Liverpool: Cooking on a kitchen stove led to a fire.
- March 19, 2024, Warwick Farm: A bedroom suffered severe fire damage. A male occupant was hospitalized with suspected burns to the airway and body.
- March 15, 2024, Minto: Stove-top cooking led to fire damage, with the spread contained to the kitchen ceiling.
