Learn how to ‘be fire safe’ at FRNSW Open Day |

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4. Learn how to 'be fire safe' at FRNSW Open Day -

Learn how to 'be fire safe' at FRNSW Open Day -

Published: 30 Apr 2024 11:37am

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is throwing open its doors for its annual Open Day on Saturday, 11 May 2024 and urging the community to 'be fire safe' to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

Many fire stations across NSW will be open from 10.00am to 2.00pm with a range of free activities including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and safety presentations.

Families can also see the fire trucks and firefighting and rescue equipment up close and chat to local firefighters about the simple steps they can take to 'be fire safe'. FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said Open Day was an opportunity for firefighters to educate the community about the importance of having a working smoke alarm, especially in the lead-up to winter. "Open Day is an exciting day for the community and also for our firefighters who love to welcome visitors to the fire stations. It's a great chance to get a look behind the scenes and gain an understanding of the variety of work that firefighters do," Commissioner Fewtrell said.

"Importantly, it is also a chance to talk about how to keep our community safe from fires. Each year around 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented, while hundreds more suffer life-changing health consequences. Each death and injury are tragic for families, friends and the wider community. "This year, we want you to prepare your homes early for winter. We see a 10% increase in the number of home fires during the cooler months, with more fires starting in bedrooms and loungerooms due to things like heaters and electric blankets. Now is the time to replace your smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old. Remember, only working smoke alarms save lives." Commissioner Fewtrell said firefighters would also provide advice on lithium-ion batteries at Open Day. "Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, e-bikes and e-scooters and although these devices make our lives easier, they have the potential to put us at risk," Commissioner Fewtrell said. "Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in NSW so it is important for people to understand how to charge devices safely and what they can do if they catch fire." Come and meet the team that is prepared for anything on Open Day and learn how to 'be fire safe' and protect you and your family. For more information on FRNSW Open Day, visit: www.fire.nsw.gov.au/openday. A full list of all fire stations to be open will be available closer to the event.