Home fire safety and having a working smoke alarm installed will be the focus at this year’s Fire and Rescue NSW Open Day this Saturday May 14th 10am – 2pm. Adults will be able to find out more about home fire safety, while children will be able to see a fire truck, demonstrations, and firefighting equipment.

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the annual open day – and we haven’t been able to gave on since 2019 – was an opportunity to show people that firefighters do so much more than fight fires.

“A large part of our role is to educate the community about home fire safety and that’s where Open Day comes in”. Commissioner Baxter said.

“This year we are focussing on the importance of having a working smoke alarm in your home. Each year, approximately 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented. Each death is a tragic loss for families, and the wider community. Additionally, for each fire fatality there are also hundreds more people who survive a fire but suffer life-changing health consequences.”

Commissioner Baxter said there is a 10 per cent increase in the number of house fires during the cooler months, with many fires starting in bedrooms and loungerooms due to heater and electric blankets.

“This year we want to help residents prepare their homes and in particular, encourage them to check their smoke alarms and have a Home Fire Escape Plan.” Commissioner Baxter said.

Find participating fire stations here

Published 4 May 2022
Source: fire.nsw.gov.au
Photo credit: Fire and Rescue NSW