By ANNA USHER

Thirty people died in NSW residential fires last year – the second-worst toll in a decade. Twelve more have already been killed in 2026.

“Without working smoke alarms in your house, you and your family could go to sleep tonight and never wake up again,” FRNSW Captain Keven Verhoeven said.

“The intent isn’t to scare you. This is some truth coming from someone who has seen their fair share of house fires go both ways.”

Locally, the risk is more alarming than many expect. FRNSW data shows 61 per cent of home fires in the North Sydney LGA last winter started in the kitchen, well above the state average of 37 per cent.

Mosman recorded four home fire incidents last winter. Worryingly, one residence had no smoke alarm.

This week, FRNSW launched the 2026 Winter Fire Safety campaign, urging every household to test their detectors now.

“Last year 30 people died and 418 others were injured in house fires,” FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.

Across NSW, 45 per cent of the 3,884 homes that reported a major fire last year had no working smoke alarm.

FRNSW is also offering free home fire safety visits – and is seeking to significantly boost uptake from its current rate of 600 bookings a month.

Local firefighters will come to your home, identify hazards, and, if required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm at no charge.

Book at fire.nsw.gov.au/visits or call into Mosman or Neutral Bay stations.

What every local household should check today

FRNSW recommends testing smoke alarms monthly by pressing and holding the device’s button. A broom handle reaches if you can’t.

Alarms should be vacuumed every six months. They must be replaced every 10 years – a yellowing casing is a reliable sign one is overdue.

Legislation requires at least one working alarm on every level of the home, positioned between the kitchen and sleeping areas.

Renters without working smoke alarms should contact their landlord or property manager immediately. Under NSW law, landlords must repair a faulty alarm in a rental property within two business days.

In the kitchen: never throw water on an oil-based fire. A fire blanket or extinguisher will do the job.

Keep flammable items at least a metre from heaters and fireplaces, and never bring outdoor cooking equipment inside.

Charge lithium-ion devices only in the garage or shed, away from living areas and exits, and never leave them unattended while charging.

Book your free home fire safety visit at fire.nsw.gov.au/visits