Fire and Rescue NSW concerned about increasing rate of winter fres

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has determined there was a 12-percent increase in house fres during winter this year, sparking calls for more working smoke alarms in NSW homes.

The latest statistics gathered by FRNSW indicate there were 1063 residential fres during winter this year, an increase of 119 on the same season last year.

It’s the largest number of winter residential fres in NSW since 2019 when 1092 such blazes were recorded.

Eight people were killed in preventable winter residential fres this year, compared to 17 deaths in 2022.

There were 115 people injured by fres in the home this winter, an increase of 28 on last year.

The leading cause of winter residential fres this year was human activity (557 cases), followed by undetermined causes

(135), arson (108), electrical faults (66) and overheating (45).

In 462 or 43-percent of cases, fres broke out in kitchens or cooking areas; 113 or 11-percent in the bedroom; 63 fres or six percent in loungerooms; and 40 or four percent in garages and workshops.

FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner

– Community Safety, David Felton, said the fgures reinforce the need for working smoke alarms in New South Wales homes.

“When was the last time you checked your home’s smoke alarm was working?” Act. Assistant Commissioner Felton, said.

“In almost half the fres we go to each winter, there’s no working smoke alarm present.

“That’s not going to protect you or your loved ones if a fre breaks out,” he said.

”Invest a few dollars in a smoke alarm or two and ensure they’re rigged to sound in unison if fames do occur.

“Increase your chance of survival by creating a home evacuation plan, identifying practical escape routes in your home.

“Also remember to look out for seniors or older loved ones in our communities.

“They might need your help to remain safe from fres in their homes.”

“You can easily book a free home safety visit from FRNSW by visiting our website: https:// www.fre.nsw.gov.au/ visits

“Firefghters will inspect your home, provide safety advice and even ft a 10-year smoke alarm, free of charge, if necessary.”

Title: The Man Behind the Prize

Author: Paul J Greguric

Price: $19.95

Publisher: Shawline Publishing

By Samantha Elley

Have you ever wondered why it is called e Archibald Prize?

is is the event that is held every year in the Art Gallery of NSW, visited by thousands of Sydneysiders and tourists, to view the o erings from artists of portraits of famous Australians. en there is the Archibald fountain in Hyde Park.

Both the prize and the fountain are an enduring legacy to a man who was the founding editor of the Australia’s most iconic magazine and newspaper, e Bulletin.

In his latest book Paul Greguric delves into and shares the life of J.F. Archibald.

While not much is known about the man behind the prize, Greguric does an excellent job of revealing his history and possibly his motivations throughout his working life.

As editor of e Bulletin, Archibald uncovered and nurtured the careers of many Australian writers and artists, who are today well known for their cra