Meet local firies and save lives, including your own

Meeting local firefighters and learning about home fire prevention is really important and more so in recent times and into the future.

Janelle Saffin MP is encouraging people to meet their local firefighters at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Open Day on Saturday, 15 May 2021.

 Ms Saffin said FRNSW Open Day is a great opportunity for people of all ages to come along and meet their local firefighters.

‘Five fire stations in our Electorate of Lismore are throwing open their doors This is an amazing opportunity to see firsthand what our firefighters do,’ said Ms Saffin.

‘Children will be able to see a fire truck, demonstrations and firefighting equipment while the grown-ups will be able to find out more about home fire prevention.’

 It’s important to have a working smoke alarm in your home – each year, approximately 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented. Sadly, almost all of these fatalities occur in people’s homes.

For each fire fatality, there are also hundreds more people who survive a fire but suffer life-changing health consequences. Firefighters are committed to reducing the risk of such fires and to protecting the irreplaceable.

 FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said in the lead up to winter, Open Day was the perfect opportunity for the community to talk to firefighters about home fire safety.

 ‘We see a 10-per cent increase in the number of house fires during the cooler months, with fires starting in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to heaters and electric blankets,’ said Mr Baxter.

‘This year we want to help residents prepare their homes, and in particular, encourage them to check their smoke alarms and have a Home Fire Escape Plan. We have developed a Get Ready for Winter checklist.

The FRNSW Open Day will be held at  Lismore, Goonellabah, Kyogle, Murwillumbah, and Tenterfield, between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, 15 May.

For more information on FRNSW Open Day, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/openday