Firefighters praise hero neighbour after house fire - Batlow
Published: 08 Jul 2022 01:27pm
Senior Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have praised the actions of a passer-by who entered a burning house and saved a woman's life today at Batlow, in the state's south-west slopes.
The local school cleaner was walking to work around 4am when she noticed flames coming from the single-level weatherboard house in Eurabbie Street.
The woman entered the home and located the occupant, a woman aged in her early 70's, asleep in a bedroom.
She guided the resident out to safety as the fire engulfed the home, which partially collapsed.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the resident for shock as the Batlow FRNSW crew attacked the fire.
Firefighters suspect a blanket hung over a chair, near a wood fire, may have started the blaze, which destroyed the house.
Batlow Deputy Captain Chris Cooper praised the neighbour for her brave actions.
"The passer-by's quick thinking has undoubtedly saved her neighbour's life," Deputy Captain Cooper said.
"We've already lost six people in preventable residential fires in NSW this winter...we almost lost another today."
FRNSW is warning the public to 'Be Safe, Not Sorry' this winter and to always keep material a metre from the heater.
Other safety measures include:
- keep looking when cooking
- don’t overload power boards
- never use wheat bags to warm your bed
- 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
- have a Home Escape Plan
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]
For more information about home fire safety, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter
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.
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]
Stations nearby
32 Mill Road, Batlow NSW 2730
146 Wynyard Street, Tumut NSW 2720
36 Winton Street, Tumbarumba NSW 2653