Firies urge caution as winter chill sets in

Chief Superintendent Chris Lewis, Fire and Rescue NSW assistant director of community safety and research, reiterated the warning and said it included appliances that used ‘heat beads’ or LPG as a fuel source. 

“This type of equipment is not suitable for indoor use and can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide which can be fatal,” Chief Superintendent Lewis said.

“We are seeing people use home-made heaters, such as terracotta pots bolted together and placed on top of butane gas cookers, indoors.

“These types of make-shift heating devices not only put you at great risk of carbon monoxide poisoning but also starting a fire in your home.”

Last month a family of four from Penrith suffered carbon monoxide poisoning when they fell asleep around an outdoor charcoal heater which they had dragged into their living room.

Firefighters were called to more than 1100 home fires across the state last winter, nearly one quarter of which were due to leaving household items such as electrical and heating appliances, and cooking unattended. 

“It’s cold and people are cooking more, using heaters to warm up the house, electric blankets to warm up their beds and putting clothes in the dryer,” Chief Superintendent Chris Lewis said.

“Keep looking when cooking and never leave a heater, dryer, electric blanket, or any other electrical device unattended. Always turn them off when leaving the home or going to bed. Also remember to check the electrical cords for fraying and other damage before use.”

FRNSW recommends the following to greatly reduce their risk of fire in your home: