Hunter residents urged to stay fire safe through Winter

BY BEN CLIFFORD

After a devastating start to the winter fire season, Fire and Rescue NSW are ramping up their ongoing efforts to educate regional communities about home fire safety. 

Firefighters across the Hunter region have been hitting the streets, conducting over 1200 home safety visits which provide households with vital home fire safety advice and working smoke alarms. 

The organisation's already responded to 13 deadly fires and over 680 residential fires in New South Wales since the start of the season, including a large fire which destroyed a home in Merewether last Sunday.

The blaze, which was caused by an unattended burning candle, is serving as a reminder of the importance of home fire safety.

We're being urged to follow a few simple steps:      

• Never ever leave cooking unattended and always keep looking when cooking.      
• Keep everything – furnishing, curtains, clothing – one metre away from the heater.      
• Do not overload power boards with these extra winter appliances – such as heaters, electric blankets and dryers.      
• Ensure flues and chimneys are regularly cleaned.      
• Turn off electric blankets at night.     
•  Do not use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home.
  

Station Open Days Going Ahead Despite Union Directive

 BY JARROD MELMETH

Many Fire Stations across the Hunter are swinging their doors open for their annual open day, ignoring a directive from the Union.

The Fire Brigade Employees Union sent a "Code Red" to its members instructing those in "Metro Zones" to not participate in any in-person activities as part of Open Day. 

The NSW Fire & Rescue  webpage says that stations across Sydney, Illawarra and The Hunter will not be going ahead, however, 2NURFM understands Wallsend, Lambton, Minmi & Cardiff will be opening as well as others on an individual participation basis.

Stations that are opening their doors will be observing COVID public health restrictions which means no barbeques will be taking place.

Minister for Police & Emergency Services David Elliott has slammed the union for playing politics with fire safety.

"Open day is a staple of our community and helps to build resilience by reducing both the likelihood and impact of emergencies," Mr Elliott said.