Five new fire trucks will be rolled out today to further protect communities across NSW ahead of the Christmas holiday period.
The Fire and Rescue NSW trucks, valued around $950,000 each, have been assigned to Wentworthville, City of Sydney, Bankstown, Ashfield and Lambton fire stations ahead of summer.
As summer begins and people gather around the BBQ, shop for Christmas gifts online and put up Christmas decorations, it's important to consider fire safety tips to protect your home.
The new fire trucks will support firefighters during a time of year that brings an increased risk of house fires due to a range of factors including dangerous decorations to substandard lithium-ion batteries.
This is part of the annual FRNSW fleet replacement program, which this financial year will see a $29.5 million investment.
During 2025, FRNSW has responded to more than 3,300 house fires, sadly resulting in 29 deaths and more than 360 injuries.
In nearly half of all house fires there was no smoke alarm, or the alarm failed to activate when the fire broke out.
A working smoke alarm provides the earliest and most effective warning of a fire, giving residents the chance to get out and call Triple Zero (000).
FRNSW has consistently recorded an increase in lithium-ion battery incidents year-on-year and continues to urge the community to remain vigilant around their use.
There have been 288 lithium-ion battery incidents in NSW so far this year, which have resulted in 52 injuries.
Devices with lithium-ion batteries should be handled with care. Always follow safe charging, storage, and disposal practices to prevent fires, explosions and other possible hazards.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
"Summer is a busy time of year for our firefighters and too often we're seeing fires start that could have been easily prevented.
"Please keep safety at the front of your mind this holiday season. We want everyone to enjoy their summer without tragedy.
"We encourage people to take care around the BBQ, install decorations safely and when shopping, buy reputable lithium-ion battery products and charge them carefully.
"If you do find yourself in trouble, dial Triple-Zero, our emergency services are ready to respond - it's my hope though that our community stays safe this holiday season and no-one needs a visit from one of these new trucks."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong:
"We want families and consumers across NSW to enjoy the magic of the holiday season knowing that NSW Fair Trading is making sure their smoke alarms, batteries, power boards and Christmas lights meet the highest safety standards.
"We're working alongside Fire and Rescue NSW to ensure that the products the community enjoys are fit-for-purpose, and above all, safe."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown:
"Following the advice of Fire and Rescue NSW will help keep you and your loved ones safe this festive season. Too many preventable tragedies occur when the fire risk is high, so following best practice when it comes to smoke alarms and when using lithium-ion battery devices is paramount."
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell:
"The safety of the community is at the top of any firefighters' wish list. Please be vigilant and, at a minimum, ensure you have a working smoke alarm in your home.
"Lithium-ion battery powered products are becoming more prevalent, but so are the incidents we respond to. Please follow our advice when it comes to buying, charging and disposing of things like kids' toys, phones and e-bikes, which all contain batteries that can catch fire and cause injury."
Quotes attributable to NSW Fair Trading Director Consumer Protection & Compliance, Karen Ford:
"There are many products available across Christmas and the summer months which can make the holidays more satisfying, but consumers can protect themselves by using those products as directed.
"NSW Fair Trading inspectors have visited shopping centres, examining toys, lights and other decorations and undertaking inspections of items to ensure they meet the mandatory safety standards in both chain stores and other bargain outlets, and can issue fines if non-compliant items are being sold."
