newy.com.au – Firefighters could not find a working smoke alarm at 45 per cent of the 1,005 residential fires they attended across NSW in spring 2025, as Fire and Rescue NSW renews its warning to households to check fire hazards before summer.
Almost 38 per cent of those fires started in kitchens and cooking areas. The service is urging residents to test smoke alarms monthly, create and practise a home escape plan, and remove clutter that could catch fire or block an exit.
Newcastle and Hunter residents can book a free home fire safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website or by calling their local fire station.
“Firefighters will come to your home, provide tailored safety advice, check your smoke alarms and even install new ones for free,” FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.
The service warned that the end of winter brought a different range of risks as temperatures rose. Its spring advice covers cooking, barbecues, flammable materials around the home and the charging of lithium-ion batteries.
In the kitchen, residents are being reminded to keep watch while cooking and have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket nearby for easy access. LPG barbecue hoses and connections should be inspected before use, while barbecue coals should be disposed of safely.
Spring cleaning can also reduce the amount of material available to fuel a fire. FRNSW recommends removing unwanted newspapers and cardboard, clearing leaves and litter from gutters, and safely disposing of unneeded chemicals, including old flammable paints, solvents and thinners.
Keeping exits clear is another priority, so household clutter does not obstruct an escape during an emergency.
Fewtrell also warned residents to take care with lithium-ion batteries, including those in e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools.
“A damaged lithium-ion battery can explode and release highly toxic fumes,” he said.
Devices should not be charged while residents are asleep or away from home, and batteries should not be overcharged. The service recommends charging only on hard surfaces that cannot catch fire.
“Finally, large batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools should not be charged in living spaces or exits,” Fewtrell said.
If a fire occurs, residents should get out, stay out and call triple zero (000), the service said.
