The release of the report findings is particularly important given that the Upper Hunter has suffered more than three residential fires the past week.  

With weather predicted to reach scorching temperatures throughout the Hunter this weekend, it’s also a timely reminder to have a fire and safety plan, as well as fire preventative strategies in place.

The reports assessed the effectiveness of sprinklers in residential buildings up to 25 metres in height, as well as the functionality of current residential smoke alarms.

The residential sprinkler research, completed in collaboration with CSIRO, signalled the most significant shift in fire safety policy since 2006, when legislation mandated the installation of smoke alarms in all existing homes and shared accommodation.

FRNSW Commissioner and current president of Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), Paul Baxter QSO said FRNSW had undertaken three years of research and testing.

“The results confirm that stronger measures are needed to ensure best practice fire safety and fire prevention in homes,” he said.

“FRNSW has made recommendations from its extensive research into sprinklers and smoke alarms and will be working closely with relevant stakeholders to realise these recommendations over the coming months.”

Following the research findings, FRNSW, along with Fire Protection Association Australia and Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council, has submitted a proposal for change to the 2019 National Construction Code.

The proposal for change seeks to mandate sprinklers in all new Class 2 and Class 3i shared residential accommodation buildings up to 25 metres in effective height.

“Modern-day furnishings and building materials often produce faster fires with higher levels of heat and toxic smoke,” Commissioner Baxter added.

“We are committed to keeping the people of NSW fire safe and will continue to carry out research that better informs building code legislation and product standards to improve fire safety.”

Commissioner Baxter said in addition to the requirement of sprinklers in residential buildings, FRNSW is also urging NSW households to increase the number of working alarms in homes to one per bedroom and living space.

“On average, there are approximately 21 deaths reported each year as a direct result of residential fires across NSW. Up to a half of those fatalities could have been prevented if these homes had working smoke alarms as well as a home fire escape plan.”