Two people have died in separate residential fires across New South Wales, prompting renewed warnings from emergency services about smoke alarms, kitchen safety and household fire preparedness.
Fire and Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service and NSW Police have launched investigations into the two incidents, which occurred in Villawood and Greenwell Point.
Authorities say the deaths add to a concerning number of fatal residential fires across the state this winter.
Woman Dies After Villawood House Fire
The first incident occurred shortly after 6pm at a home on Tanqui Road in Villawood, in Sydney’s south-west.
Six Fire and Rescue NSW trucks and 24 firefighters were sent to the scene after reports of a house fire.
Crews rescued a woman in her 70s who had been trapped in heavy smoke.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated her for serious smoke inhalation before she was taken to hospital.
She later died from her injuries.
A second woman, aged in her 50s, was also taken to hospital following the fire.
Kitchen Under Investigation
Fire investigators are examining the kitchen area of the Villawood property as they work to determine how the blaze started.
Authorities are also investigating whether the home had working smoke alarms.
Kitchen-related fires remain one of the most common causes of residential fires in NSW, making cooking safety a major focus for emergency services.
Second Fatal Fire at Greenwell Point
The second fire occurred shortly after 10pm at a mobile home inside a tourist park on Greens Road at Greenwell Point, about 15 kilometres east of Nowra.
Crews from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW responded and brought the fire under control.
After extinguishing the blaze, emergency workers found a person dead inside the mobile home.
Another person suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation and was treated by emergency services.
RFS fire investigators and NSW Police forensic officers are now examining the scene to establish the cause of the fire.
Winter Fire Death Toll Raises Alarm
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell has expressed concern over the number of people dying in building fires during winter.
Authorities say 13 people have died in building fires during the current winter season, while 26 people have died in fires across NSW so far this year.
The figures have prompted fire officials to urge households to take basic safety precautions seriously.
More Than 2,400 Residential Fires This Year
Fire and Rescue NSW data shows that more than 2,400 residential fires have already occurred across the state this year.
Of those, 868 happened during winter.
Authorities say working smoke alarms were absent in 46 per cent of those incidents.
Fire officials continue to stress that functioning smoke alarms can provide crucial warning time and significantly improve the chances of escaping safely.
Kitchen Fires Remain Leading Cause
Statistics show that kitchens are the most common starting point for house fires in NSW.
About 38 per cent of residential fires recorded this year began in the kitchen.
Fire authorities are urging residents never to leave cooking unattended and to keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
They also recommend keeping a fire blanket and appropriate fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location.
Families Urged to Have Escape Plans
Commissioner Fewtrell has also encouraged families to discuss what they would do if a fire broke out in their home.
A simple household escape plan can help residents respond quickly during an emergency, particularly when smoke reduces visibility or blocks normal exit routes.
Authorities recommend identifying at least two possible escape routes where possible and deciding on a safe meeting point outside the home.
Free Smoke Alarm Assistance Available
Fire and Rescue NSW offers home safety visits to help residents identify potential fire hazards.
Firefighters can provide advice and, where necessary, install new smoke alarms free of charge.
The service is particularly aimed at vulnerable residents, older people and households where existing alarms may be missing or no longer working.
Authorities Renew Fire Safety Warning
The two latest deaths have reinforced concerns about residential fire safety across NSW.
Emergency services are urging people to regularly test smoke alarms, remain attentive while cooking and ensure everyone in the household knows how to escape during a fire.
Officials say small precautions can make a critical difference.
With thousands of home fires already recorded this year, fire authorities are warning that prevention, early detection and a clear escape plan remain some of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of further tragedy.
