Narromine topped the list of residential structural fires last winter and households across western NSW are being urged to check their smoke alarms as Fire and Rescue NSW’s annual ‘Winter Fire Safety’ campaign gets started.

Ten fires broke out in residential homes in Narromine shire in 2024, the worst figures in the Western Plains, even passing Dubbo's 8 fires.

"In the Narromine Local Government Area (LGA) there were 10 residential fires last winter," said Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.

"In 80-per cent of those local cases, smoke alarms weren’t present or did not activate.’’

 Its why Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the community to avoid life-threatening complacency this winter and ensure at least one working smoke alarm is fitted in every home.

Last winter there were 1,039 residential fires in NSW.

In 44-per cent of those cases, the home either did not have a smoke alarm or if one was present, it did not operate when the fire broke out.

Across the state 12 people died and 107 others were injured in residential fires.

IMAGE: Narromine Fire & Rescue

Walgett had 2 fires in homes and Gilgandra 2.

Mr Fewtrell has urged residents to protect lives and property by ensuring homes are each fitted with at least one smoke alarm and if there is already one installed, to make sure it’s working.

“The risk of fires in our homes increases during the colder months as we seek to stay warm and cook

more hot meals in general,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.

“Kitchens represented the main area for winter blazes in homes across the state last year (41.58%).

“Our statistics indicate many people are being distracted in the kitchen during the winter season as ‘hu-

man factors’ are by far the main cause of those fires (48.99%).

IMAGE: Narromine Fire & Rescue

“Keep looking while cooking," he said.

“Never throw water onto a fat fire…it will flare up and make the situation worse…invest in a fire blanket

and extinguisher and keep them close by.

“Above all, make sure you have a smoke alarm installed nearby.

“It can provide you with those crucial seconds to get everyone out of the home safely.”

If you are unsure about how fire-safe your home is, you can contact your local Fire and Rescue NSW station through the FRNSW website and book a home fire safety visit.

A fire crew can visit your home to provide important advice and install a 10-year smoke alarm free of charge.