FIRE & Rescue NSW FRNSW statistics record that more than 1000 accidental house fires occur across the state each winter, with the incidents accounting for up to 50 per cent of the deaths that occur each year in fires.
May 2026 marked 20 years since the installation of smoke detectors became mandatory, but research by FRNSW suggests that 31 per cent of NSW residents have either not checked their smoke detector in the past year or never checked it at all.
Twenty-five per cent of people report that they are not confident about the right way to test smoke detectors; 37 per cent of respondents were unaware that smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years, and 45 per cent had no idea that they require cleaning every six months.
Many residents are unaware that FRNSW offers free home visits, During these, firefighters visit homes to conduct fire safety checks and, if required, install new smoke alarms or batteries free of charge.
Captain Les King of Laurieton Fire & Rescue is passionate about the program and would like to see everyone in the community requesting a check.
Laurieton currently does 400 checks per year, which covers 10 per cent of residences in the area they protect.
“This is some of the most important work we do; when going to a property we check that the detectors are located appropriately, are in date and functioning,” Captain King said.
“If you don’t have a detector at all, I urge you to contact the fire station immediately so that we can attend and install one as a matter of urgency.”
Acting Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Michael Morris said he hoped the campaign would drive awareness and action.
“More than half the house fires we’re called to have no working smoke alarm,” Mr Morris said.
“We now know that when survey respondents were made aware of our free safety visits, more than half of them said they’d consider booking one.
“I encourage people to make that booking to help us increase the number of visits,” he said.
During visits firefighters are happy to answer questions around fire safety in the home.
Bookings can be made by calling Laurieton Station on 6541-9958.
By Rachael THORPE
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