FRNSW finds faulty fridge caused deadly house fire – - Glendenning
Published: 03 Jun 2022 04:07pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators have identified a faulty refrigerator as the cause of a fire that’s killed two people today at Glendenning in Sydney’s west.
Five FRNSW crews arrived at the Armitage Drive address around 4.45am and found the house well ablaze.
As the roof began collapsing around them, firefighters entered the home and quickly located a woman, aged in her 70’s.
The crews were met at the front door by paramedics and police who commenced CPR but were unable to revive the woman and she died at the scene.
Firefighters fought off aggressive flames and re-entered the single-level home but were forced to retreat due to the collapsing roof.
Once they extinguished the flames an hour later, the crews went back inside the house and located the body of a man, also in his 70’s.
Fire Investigation Research Unit officers and Police Forensics experts began searching the ruins of the home for the cause of the blaze and honed in on the refrigerator.
The fridge’s motor will be thoroughly examined by investigators.
There have been three deaths in the first three days of winter in NSW, prompting FRNSW to repeat its fire safety advice.
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner – Field Operations, Jeremy Fewtrell, is urging the community to ‘Be Safe, Not Sorry’ this winter.
“Winter’s always a concern for us, it’s a time when we do see an increase in house fires and unfortunately we also see an increase in injuries and deaths,” Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“The deaths we’ve seen already this week really underscore the fire prevention and safety messages that we are issuing to the public.”
Residents are urged to ensure their refrigerators are working efficiently, to fix any leaks or faulty seals, to remove any dust build-up and to have fridges serviced or replaced if faulty.
In general this winter, FRNSW reminds the public to:
- ensure your home’s smoke alarms are fitted and maintained
- clean heaters and consider replacing old heaters
- develop an escape plan with your home’s occupants
- keep looking when cooking
- don’t overload power boards
- keep everything a metre from the heater
- never use wheat bags to warm your bed
- clean the lint out of your clothes dryer
- check electric blankets for frayed cords and other damage
- don’t use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home as it can be fatal
Contact your local Fire Station to discuss booking a fire safety visit at your home.
Firefighters can check and replace your smoke alarms if necessary.
Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
This winter, keep you and your loved ones safe by using our Get Ready for Winter checklist - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter. [external link]
Media note: footage of the fire scene and a portion of the Police/FRNSW media conference can be obtained through this link:
https://vimeo.com/716661429/fffa99bcc5 [external link]
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Learn how to prevent fires from heaters and open fires.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
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