Clutter Identified as Major Safety Risk in Unit Fire – Parramatta

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have highlighted the significant safety risk posed by clutter in a unit that was damaged by fire in Parramatta earlier this week. The incident, which occurred in a public housing apartment on Thomas Street, was fortunately mitigated by a working smoke alarm that alerted three residents and their two pets to the blaze. Thanks to the swift response of seven fire crews, a total of 15 people were successfully evacuated from the unit block.

Firefighters, upon re-entering the apartment after extinguishing the fire, were shocked to discover waist-high rubbish and debris obstructing access to every room. “These residents are very fortunate their smoke alarm sounded,” emphasized FRNSW Zone Commander, Superintendent Andrew Shurety. He further explained, “In a pitch-black fire environment, that clutter could have proved deadly, fuelling the flames and preventing their escape.”

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by firefighters. Interestingly, this incident came in the wake of an unrelated declutter operation that took place over two days. The operation involved collaboration between FRNSW, the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, and other organizations, focusing on public housing buildings in Waterloo, an inner-Sydney suburb.

During the two-day trial, firefighters from Redfern and Mascot Fire Stations engaged with tenants to ensure that smoke alarms were in working order and that passageways and corridors inside the buildings were free from obstructions and disused appliances. Additionally, removalists were present to assist with the removal of old refrigerators, washing machines, and furniture, which were then disposed of in skip bins specially brought in for the operation.

Senior Firefighter Kate Faith from FRNSW’s Community Engagement Unit emphasized the dangers of clutter in residential fires. She explained, “If you can’t escape because there’s clutter in the way, that is a huge problem. A fire takes only four minutes on average to engulf a room, so you’ve got to be able to move fast in dark and disorientating environments. Without clear exits, that becomes very difficult and it may create a tragedy.”

She further noted that clutter not only endangers residents but also puts firefighters at risk and hampers their efforts to rescue trapped individuals and their pets during a blaze. “We advise the public to maintain home evacuation plans, keeping emergency exits clear of obstacles, and especially keeping the area around any stove clear. Forty percent of residential fires start in the kitchen,” added Senior Firefighter Faith.

Carrey Cultra, the NSW Land and Housing Corporation Community Engagement Manager, highlighted the additional benefits of the declutter operations for tenants. She mentioned that many public housing tenants struggle with disposing of large items from their homes, and these operations not only assist them in that regard but also raise awareness about fire safety and the associated health risks of clutter.

The FRNSW has made available footage of the Parramatta scene and the declutter operation, which can be accessed here: [insert link]. This visual documentation serves to further emphasize the importance of maintaining a clutter-free living environment for the safety and well-being of all residents.

As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the Parramatta fire, it is crucial for individuals to take proactive measures to declutter their homes and create a safe living space. By doing so, the risk of fire incidents can be significantly reduced, ensuring the safety of both residents and firefighters alike..