FIREFIGHTERS across New South Wales are joining forces to try and prevent any more house fire fatalities this winter.
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Across the state we’ve already had 19 fatalities this year; last year there were 12 in total.
In order to educate families and try and prevent any further deaths, Station Commander with Bathurst Fire Station, firefighter Peter Willard, said firefighters will be out in the CBD tomorrow morning, handing out information on winter fire safety and kitchen fire advice.
The safety campaign is part of Operation Cold Snap, aimed at stopping any more house fire fatalities.
Firefighters will be handing out winter fire safety checklists, as well as information regarding what to do if a fire breaks out in your kitchen, how to maintain your smoke alarm and prevent fires from heaters.
Of particular concern to firefighters at the moment is people using outdoor cooking and heating equipment inside their homes.
Much of this equipment gives off carbon monoxide, a highly toxic but odourless and colourless gas, poisonous in very small concentrations; a mixture of 1.28 per cent mixed with air will kill you in less then three minutes.
Another area of concern for firies is the kitchen, which is the point of origin for nearly half of all house fires.
Station officer Willard said many of these fires are due to people leaving cooking unattended.
He also reminded people that every smoke alarm in the house has to be maintained, with batteries replaced every 12 months, and smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, or earlier with a new photoelectric alarm wherever possible.
“Smoke alarms save lives; they give you that extra minute to get out of the house,” station commander Willard said.
Firefighters will also be talking to people about fire escape plans, something station commander Willard said was vital in saving lives.
“Draw a floor plan of your house, including two ways to escape each room.
“Keep door and window keys in or next to locks so they can be opened easily.”
“Everyone needs to know in the event of a fire what to do; this is how you can get out and stay out,” he said.
He also said in the event of a fire always move away from the smoke.
“Smoke will be coming from the source of the fire, and close the doors behind you as you leave a smoke filled room, it could give you valuable time to get out of the house.”
