This week marks the first week of winter and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have urged households across the state to test their smoke alarms and make sure the life-saving devices are working. Monday 1 June was also Smoke Alarm Action Day, a national initiative highlighting the vital role the detectors play in keeping people safe. Despite the smoke alarms being a legal requirement to be installed on every level of a dwelling including caravans, relocatable homes, campervans and houses data from FRNSW shows 45 per cent of the 3,884 homes that reported a major fire last year did not have a working smoke alarm. FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said that last year 30 people died and 418 others were injured in house fires. “It only takes a few seconds to push the button on your smoke alarms to guarantee they are working. “It’s as simple as using a broom handle to reach up and press the button on the face of the alarm to test it,” he said. “You can also go online or call your local fire station to book in a free home fire safety visit. “Smoke Alarm Action Day is a reminder to check every smoke alarm in your home but also to create a habit of testing and cleaning the devices regularly. “Many people don’t think about their smoke alarms until it’s too late.” The second-worst year for fire fatalities in the last decade was 2025 and winter is typically the worst time for fire-related fatalities. So far 12 people have died in residential fires this year. As part of the 2026 Winter Fire Safety Campaign Firefighters will visit Bunnings stores across NSW this June to share important fire safety advice and promote free home safety visits. Free home fire safety visits are a year-round service where fire crews can visit your home, identify fire risks in your home and even install a smoke alarm, free of charge. Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said as it gets colder, winter is typically the most dangerous time of year for residential fires, and we want everyone in our state to be prepared. “Most people assume a fire will never occur, but they do happen and often spread quickly in homes without a working smoke alarm,” Mr Dib said. “A working smoke alarm is your best protection, especially when you’re sleeping. So that bleeping smoke alarm just might save you. “I encourage everyone to book a home fire safety visit now. “Our firefighters play a key role keeping communities safe and the in-person safety visits they offer mean that the people who need it most can get help with their smoke alarms.” The kitchen has been identified as the room with the highest safety concerns as 40 per cent of residents report not having a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in their home. FRNSW data shows that last winter 37 per cent of residential fires started in the kitchen. Temora Fire and Rescue Captain Mark Cooper wants to encourage all locals that live within the Temora Shire to register for a Home Fire Safety Visit as the cooler months approach. "Residents can book online a free home fire safety visit and our firefighters will visit your home to ensure your fire safe this winter,” Capt Cooper said. “I encourage all residents to ensure they make the effort now to be fire safe, before it may be too late. “Log on to our website and register your interest or you can call Temora Fire Station on 69 29 57 56 and leave a message."
