TWO recent deaths stemming from house fires have caused New South Wales authorities to issue a warning over risks related to trying to keep warm in winter.
The fatal fires, one in the Sydney suburb of Randwick and the other in Coniston in Wollongong, resulted in the deaths of two people in their 70s.
Both fires are being investigated but Fire and Rescue NSW said the incidents were a timely warning about the risks associated with trying to keep warm in winter.
“Always check electric and heated blankets before turning them on, and look for frays, scorch marks, exposed wires or controller damage,” said FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.
“If anything looks off, bin it.
“I encourage residents to utilise our free home fire safety visit program which will have firefighters visit your home to check your smoke alarms and provide fire safety advice to keep yourself and your family safe this winter.
“Contact your local fire station or go to fire.nsw.gov.au/safetyvisits to request a visit.
“You can also take some simple steps to keep you and your family safe.
“For example, regularly check your smoke alarm, always keep looking when cooking, keep a fire blanket and extinguisher in your kitchen, keep flammable materials a metre from the heater, and don’t overload power boards or power points.”
The recent fatalities bring to six the number of deaths resulting from house fires this winter.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said they serve as a “stark and tragic reminder” of the dangers of everyday household items.
“These two deaths are a stark and tragic reminder about home fire dangers in winter,” he said.
“We know that when temperatures drop, the risk of house fires increases as people use more electrical devices and heating appliances, raising the number of potential fire hazards.
“Take today as an opportunity to make sure you have working smoke alarms or to book in a free home fire safety visit with your local FRNSW crew.”