As record low temperatures continue to bite, Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have put out a warning to households disposing of ash.
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The warning comes after a fire damaged the top floor of a two-storey house at Hawks Nest on on June 26.
The home’s occupants had cleaned out a fireplace and, believing the ashes were cold, placed them in a wheelie bin for disposal.
The bin contents ignited and the fire spread up an external wall and into the top level of the home through an open window.
“With the recent cold snap across NSW, people are lighting up the fireplace and other wood-fuelled heaters and cooking appliances,” FRNSW Community Engagement Unit manager, Superintendent Mick Ollerenshaw, said.
“Householders need to be mindful that ash can retain heat for a long period of time after the fire has been put out.
“When disposing of ash from fireplaces and other wood-fuelled heaters or cooking appliances, ensure it has cooled completely and consider dampening it down to ensure it has been completely extinguished.
“Also try to avoid disposing of ash in waste bins. Consider a garden bed or another safe outdoor location for disposal. Another tip is to make sure your fireplace chimney is clean and it’s properly ventilated.”
With this year being the 10th anniversary of the introduction of smoke alarm legislation, firefighters are also reminding NSW residents it is time to re-alarm their homes by replacing their smoke alarms.
“This year we’re encouraging residents to replace their outdated alarms with the latest photoelectric smoke alarms, which provide earlier detection and fewer false alarms,” Superintendent Ollerenshaw said.
More firefighter home fire safety tips:
- Keep clothing and other flammable materials at least one metre from your heater
- Clean out the clothes dryer filter after every load
- Don't overload your powerboards
- Never use wheat bags in bed
- Ensure you have a working photoelectric smoke alarm and a practised home escape plan
- If a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000)