Firefighters Paul Hussey, Jayden Pitts, Acting Captain Les Booth, Darren Crockford and Riley McLeod say winter fire safety is as important as preparing for the bush fire season.
Did you know that winter is one of the highest risk periods for residential fires?
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
As temperatures drop, the risk increases as residents use more electrical devices and heating appliances.
In 2025, there were 1020 house fires reported in NSW from June to August.
While this is slightly down on the 1063 fires recorded for the same period in 2023, it does show a consistent season pattern that firefighters want to address.
Monday was the first day of winter and Smoke Alarm Action Day - a national initiative highlighting the importance of detectors that protect you and your loved ones.
It also launched the statewide and Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW winter fire safety campaigns.
“One of the most important tasks is to make sure your heaters are in good working order,” Deniliquin’s Acting Captain Les Booth said.
“That means cleaning your chimneys, and checking your electric heaters are in good working order with no cord damage before use.
“There are some locals that provide chimney cleaning services, or you can check with your local plumber if it’s a service they provide.
“Checking your smoke alarm is working, and changing the battery if required, is equally important.
Smoke alarms should be checked regularly to ensure they protect you properly.
Photo by
SetsukoN
“We know that working smoke alarms can save lives.
“We encourage people to check and change batteries at the start and end of daylight savings as a minimum, but checks through winter may also be a good idea.”
A smoke alarm’s loud beeping is the first line of defence in a fire, providing valuable time for residents to escape and call emergency services.
However, in 45 per cent of the nearly 3900 residential fires FRNSW attended in 2025, firefighters could not identify a working smoke alarm.
Community members can book a free fire safety visit at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits to help safeguard their homes.
Local firefighters will come to your residence, provide safety advice and, if required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm for free.
Act Capt Booth said proper use and care around heating devices can also reduce the risk of a disaster this winter.
“Use fire guards to keep children away from fires, they can also prevent logs from rolling out.
“You should also take care of drying clothes and other items near fires or heaters. The rule is to keep a space of at least 3m.
“Laundry dryers are another risk area. Clean the lint out often because a build up can cause a fire.
“And at all times of the year, you should never leave cooking unattended.”
Outdoor fires also increase during the cooler month, out of necessity and for recreation.
Residents are reminded that a permit is required for any burn-offs within the Deniliquin town limits.
Drying clothes within 3m of a heater increases the risk of a fire.
Photo by
Joan Manel Moreno
The permit application must first be submitted to Edward River Council, and then signed off on by the FRNSW station.
Conditions apply, and firefighter Paul Hussey said the use of accelerants should be avoided on all fires.
In rural areas, permits are not required at this time of the year, but conditions still apply.
Anyone undertaking pile burns, stubble burns or any other hazard‑reduction activity must:
• Notify the NSW Rural Fire Service at least 24 hours beforehand via www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify;
• Notify neighbours at least 24 hours prior; and
• Notify their brigade captain on the morning of the burn.
These steps are mandatory. Failing to notify is an offence under NSW legislation and can attract fines of $1100 or more.
For more information about winter fire safety at home, go to www.fire.nsw.gov.au/fire-safety/home-fire-safety.
For more information on safe burning and legal obligations in rural areas, go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
8°C