Residents across the Hunter are being urged to check their smoke alarms and book free home safety visits as Fire and Rescue NSW launches a new winter fire safety campaign.
The initiative marks 20 years since smoke alarms became mandatory in NSW, but firefighters say alarms are still missing or not working in around half the homes they attend. New research shows nearly one in three people haven’t checked their smoke alarm in the past year, while many are unsure how to test them.
Firefighters are offering free in‑home safety visits, which include fire safety checks and the installation of new smoke alarms if needed. Fire and Rescue NSW says around half of those surveyed weren’t even aware the service existed.
Acting Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Michael Morris said winter is the most dangerous time of year for house fires.
“We know that beep can be loud and annoying, but that ‘bleeping’ could be the difference between waking up to a fire or losing a loved one,” he said.
Data shows 44 per cent of fire fatalities between 2019 and 2025 occurred during winter, with nearly a thousand residential fires recorded last winter alone. Residents can book a free home fire safety visit online through Fire and Rescue NSW.
