Winter fire safety warnings were reiterated today after three people were caught in house fires in Sydney overnight. An elderly woman aged 77 was rescued unconscious by fire crews about 1am from her Mortdale home. She was transported to hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

The Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) and police are currently at the scene investigating the cause of the fire. Fire crews from Mortdale, Riverwood and two from Hurstville, including rescue, attended the fire this morning.

In Merrylands, two people managed to escape a double storey house that was on fire shortly after midnight. Fire crews from Merrylands, Wentworthville, Smithfield and Guildford contained the blaze and were able to save 75 per cent of the house. It is believed the cause of the fire was an unattended fireplace that ignited paper nearby.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins reminded people that winter was the most dangerous time for fires in the home, with more than 40 per cent of fatalities occurring in the winter months.

“These two fires show us that we need to be vigilant in the winter months. With people spending more time inside the house, heaters and electric blankets being used and more cooking in the kitchen rather than on outdoor barbeques, there is an increased risk of fires in the home,” Commissioner Mullins said.

“And I cannot stress enough the importance in doing a home fire safety audit and working out your escape plan in the event of a fire. This is particularly vital for elderly residents whose movement, hearing and sight may be impaired.”

This morning’s rescue of the elderly woman in Mortdale follows the tragic death of an 85-year-old man in West Ryde last Monday.

In NSW last year, there were 25 fatalities of which nine were seniors (aged over 65). Of those, six deaths occurred in the winter months.

“I strongly urge seniors to have a fire escape plan, especially if their mobility is restricted, and to have working smoke alarms in the house. Simple things like leaving the house keys in the deadlock help with a quicker exit,” he said.

“Never leave heaters on while sleeping and don’t leave cooking unattended. Almost 50 per cent of fires start in the kitchen.”

Recently FRNSW launched a senior’s winter fire safety DVD called Better Safe Than Sorry, outlining essential fire safety steps seniors should take around their homes.
One of the most distressing facts came from a FRNSW survey that seniors incorrectly thought they had up to five minutes to escape whereas they actually have less than half that time.

“We encourage seniors to participate in our Smoke Alarm Battery REplacement program, SABRE, in which FRNSW fire officers change and maintain the smoke alarm batteries for people aged 65 years, and older and immobile residents,” the Commissioner added.