Working smoke alarm alerts residents to kitchen fire - Wollongong
Published: 14 Jan 2025 05:55pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a fire in a kitchen rangehood in Wollongong this afternoon, after residents were alerted to the blaze by their working smoke alarm.
Just before 2.00pm, crews responded to reports of a fire in a unit on level four of a residential building in Crown Street.
On arrival, firefighters found a fire in the kitchen of the unit. Using fire extinguishers and on-site fire hose reels, they swiftly brought the blaze under control, preventing significant damage to the remainder of the property.
The unit’s working smoke alarms played a critical role in the incident, alerting the occupant to the fire early, which allowed firefighters to act quickly and limit the impact of the damage.
Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the kitchen rangehood however further inquiries are ongoing.
There were no injuries reported.
This is a timely reminder that only working smoke alarms save lives. FRNSW recommends:
Test your smoke alarm/s are working. If not, change the batteries or replace the alarm.
Check the smoke alarm is in date. Smoke alarms have a lifespan of 10 years.
Give your smoke alarm a vacuum, if you haven't done so in the last six months, to remove dust and any insects.
For more information on smoke alarms, or to book a free home fire safety visit, go to fire.nsw.gov.au/smokealarms
Updated: 14 Jan 2025 05:00pm
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.
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
32-36 Denison Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
117 Balgownie Road, Balgownie NSW 2519
80 Central Road, Unanderra NSW 2526