Working smoke alarm saves sleeping tenant - Granville
Published: 12 Jul 2022 10:43am
A working smoke alarm has woken a sleeping tenant during a fire this morning in an apartment block at Granville in Sydney's west.
The blaze broke out just before 5.30am on the third level of the unit block in Blaxcell Street.
15 people self-evacuated from the building as the tenant grabbed a blanket and doona, and tried to douse the fire in a small bar fridge in his kitchen.
Those materials, in turn, caught fire and he threw them onto the balcony of the unit.
Four Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) trucks from Parramatta, Merrylands and Silverwater Fire Stations rushed to the scene and extinguished the fires.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the occupant for a small burn to his leg as the fire crews ventilated the heavy smoke from the property.
The resident told firefighters he salvaged the fridge, which had been left out on the street for disposal, and plugged it in around five hours before the blaze.
It's prompted FRNSW to warn the public that electrical devices, that are discarded and left on the street for pick-up, might seem to be working safely at first glance, but could have dangerous, underlying faults.
Firefighters have pointed out that if not for the smoke alarm that woke the resident, the incident could have had a tragic outcome.
FRNSW reminds the public that homes are required by law to have smoke alarms fitted.
The risk of fatality in a residential fire is halved if the home has a working smoke alarm.
Smoke alarms must be checked every month and replaced every 10 years.
Batteries should be checked every year, and changed when required, and smoke alarms should be vacuumed every six months.
FRNSW is encouraging residents across NSW to book in a fire safety visit to help protect them and their loved ones.
During safety visits, firefighters will check that you have working smoke alarms, that they are in good working condition, and are installed in suitable areas.
If you do not have one, firefighters will install a long-life battery-powered smoke alarm as well as replace existing smoke alarm batteries all at no cost.
To book a Safety Visit, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits, or alternatively contact your local fire station.
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
If you do your bit to minimise the risks in your home, we can all stay safer together.
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]
Stations nearby
263 Guildford Road, Guildford NSW 2161
110-114 Wigram Street, Harris Park (Parramatta) NSW 2150
122 Adderely Street, Silverwater NSW 2141