WINTER fire safety advice will be served alongside sausage sandwiches at Bunnings stores across New South Wales this month as firefighters launch a campaign aimed at reducing house fires and saving lives.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews will visit Bunnings stores throughout June to promote free home fire safety visits and encourage residents to check their smoke alarms as colder weather increases the risk of residential fires.
The campaign follows concerning statistics showing that 45 per cent of the 3884 homes that experienced a major fire in 2025 did not have a working smoke alarm.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said winter remained the most dangerous season for residential fires.
“As it gets colder, winter is typically the most dangerous time of year for residential fires and we want everyone in our state to be prepared,” Mr Dib said.
“Most people assume a fire will never occur, but they do happen and often spread quickly in homes without a working smoke alarm.
“A working smoke alarm is your best protection, especially when you’re sleeping.
“So that bleeping smoke alarm just might save you.”
The campaign comes as NSW recorded 30 fire-related deaths in 2025, making it the second-worst year for fire fatalities in the past decade.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the partnership with Bunnings would help firefighters reach more people with potentially life-saving information.
“We know Bunnings is a popular place on weekends, so our firefighters will visit local stores throughout winter, show people how to check smoke alarms, prepare a home fire escape plan, and explain why fire blankets and extinguishers should be a kitchen staple,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
Residents can book a free home fire safety visit through the FRNSW website or by contacting their local fire station.
Fire authorities are also reminding households to test smoke alarms regularly, replace alarms every 10 years and ensure every level of the home is fitted with a working device.
By Sis HIGGINS
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