Working smoke alarm saves woman's life during fierce house fire - Hamilton
Published: 10 May 2024 01:35pm
A working smoke alarm has saved a woman's life during a fierce house fire this morning at Hamilton in Newcastle.
Fifteen Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) units from across Newcastle, including an aerial platform and Rescue and HAZMAT trucks, responded to the single storey home, in Bennett Street around 2.15am.
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, battled the third alarm blaze as it engulfed the property.
The woman's life was saved when she was woken in bed by her smoke alarm and rushed outside to escape the intense blaze.
The house was destroyed as flames leapt to a neighbouring home, causing additional damage.
Firefighters extinguished the flames which re-ignited around 7am.
FRNSW Newcastle Zone Commander, Brian Smart, said the fire could have proved deadly if not for the working smoke alarm.
"It appears the woman was asleep when the flames broke out, " Superintendent Smart said, "You can't smell when you're asleep...a working smoke alarm can rouse you from your slumber though and give you a chance to escape.
"That's what's happened in this case, the occupant of this home is alive because her alarm was in working order.
"Especially with winter approaching, we urge everyone to test your smoke alarms and make sure you and your loved ones are protected.
"If your alarm's not working, get it fixed or replaced immediately...don't put it off.
"You can even visit the FRNSW website - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits - and book a Home Fire Safety Visit. [external link]
"Your local crew will inspect your home and install a 10-year smoke alarm free of charge if necessary."
Updated: 10 May 2024 04:45pm
Related safety topics
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.
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
49 - 51 Young Street, Carrington NSW 2294
44 Union Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
40 Young Road, Lambton NSW 2299