| Firefighters urge community to spring clean as weather heats up | NSW September 22 2026 |
** In 45 per cent of those blazes, firefighters could not find a working smoke alarm
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Firefighters urge community to spring clean as weather heats up | NSW
September 22 2026
17/09/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the community to spring clean and reduce fire hazards in and around the home during the warmer months.
While winter is over, the changing weather brings a new range of fire risks. Firefighters attended 1,005 residential fires across NSW in the spring of 2025.
In 45 per cent of those blazes, firefighters could not find a working smoke alarm.
Ahead of the summer months, spring is the ideal time to remove any debris and clutter that could catch fire or block exits in an emergency.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said there was no room for complacency when it came to protecting lives and homes.
“As temperatures rise, new fire hazards present themselves in the home.
“It’s time to make sure you and your family are as prepared as you can be.
“That means checking you have working smoke alarms, creating and practicing 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.
“If you need help with keeping your home safe, you can book a free fire safety visit by going online to https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/safetyvisits
or by calling your local fire station.
“Firefighters will come to your home, provide tailored safety advice, check your smoke alarms and even install new ones for free.”
Other spring safety advice:
• Buy a fire extinguisher and fire blanket and put them near the kitchen for easy access
• Check your LPG-fuelled barbecue is safe and inspect gas hoses and connections before use
• Safely dispose of barbecue coals
• Remove flammable clutter such as newspapers and cardboard in and around your home
• Safely dispose of any unrequired hazardous materials and chemicals. Old containers of flammable paints, solvents and thinners can fuel and intensify a residential fire
• Clear leaves and litter from gutters to remove potential fuel for flying embers
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it monthly
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan
• If a fire occurs, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
“We’re also reminding people to remain cautious with lithium-ion batteries in the home,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“A damaged lithium-ion battery can explode and release highly toxic fumes.
“Don’t charge devices with lithium-ion batteries when you’re sleeping or out of the home, don’t overcharge batteries, and make sure you only charge devices on hard surfaces that can’t catch fire.
“Finally, large batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools should not be charged in living spaces or exits.”
For more information about spring fire safety, visit: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/fire-safety/home-fire-safety/campaign/spring-fire-safety |
