Households urged to test life-saving devices on Smoke Alarm Action Day | NSW
Time and date of Release: 9:40am on June 01 2026
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging households across the state to test their smoke alarms today and make sure the life-saving devices are working.
June 1 marks the first day of winter and Smoke Alarm Action Day, a national initiative highlighting the importance of detectors that protect you and your loved ones.
As temperatures drop, the risk of house fires increases as residents use more electrical devices and heating appliances, raising the number of potential fire hazards inside homes.
A smoke alarm’s loud beeping is the first line of defence in a fire, providing valuable time for residents to escape and call emergency services.
However, in 45 per cent of the nearly 3900 residential fires FRNSW attended last year, firefighters could not identify a working smoke alarm.
FRNSW is also encouraging members of the public to book a free fire safety visit at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits to help safeguard their homes.
Local firefighters will come to your residence, provide safety advice and, if required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm for free.
Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell:
“It only takes a few seconds to push the button on your smoke alarms to guarantee they are working.
“It’s as simple as using a broom handle to reach up and press the button on the face of the alarm to test it. You can also go online or call your local fire station to book in a free home fire safety visit.
“Smoke Alarm Action Day is a reminder to check every smoke alarm in your home but also to create a habit of testing and cleaning the devices regularly.
“Many people don’t think about their smoke alarms until it’s too late.
“Use today as an opportunity to make sure you’re not taking any chances with your safety and that of your family.
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