Laurieton Brigade urges residents to reduce fire hazards during spring clean

AS the weather warms up and people begin their annual spring clean, NSW Fire and Rescue is urging residents to add fire hazard reduction to the jobs list.

Firefighters attended 1005 residential fires across NSW last spring alone. Of the homes that caught fire, almost half had no working smoke alarms.

Laurieton Station Commander Les King said there was no room for complacency when it came to protecting lives and property.

“As temperatures rise, new fire hazards present themselves,” Mr King said.

“It’s time to make sure you and your family are as prepared as you can be.”

That means checking that you have working alarms, creating and practising a home escape plan, and following simple home fire safety tips like maintaining barbecues and ‘keep looking when cooking’.

“We know that almost 38 per cent of fires last spring started in kitchens and cooking areas,” Mr King added.

“If you need help to keep your home safe, book a free fire safety visit online or by calling your local fire station.

“Firefighters will come to your home, provide tailored safety advice, check your smoke alarms – even install new ones at no cost.”

Winter storms often result in a build-up of garden debris, particularly in gutters. Flying embers from bushfires make them a common source of house fires.

FRNSW encourages placing a fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the kitchen, checking hoses and connections on gas barbecues, and safely disposing of clutter and unused hazardous chemicals.

Lithium battery fires are of increasing concern due to the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters. They should never be charged while the property’s occupants are sleeping or away from home.

For more information or to arrange a free inspection, call Laurieton station on 02 6541-9958. If a fire occurs, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero 000.

By Rachael THORPE