State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging people to meet local firefighters and learn about home fire prevention at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Open Day on Saturday, May 15.

Ms Saffin said FRNSW Open Day is a great opportunity for people of all ages to come along and meet their local firefighters.

“Five fire stations in our Electorate of Lismore are throwing open their doors between 10am and 2pm this Saturday, 15 May. This is an amazing opportunity to see firsthand what our firefighters do,” Ms Saffin said.

“Children will be able to see a fire truck, demonstrations and firefighting equipment while the grown-ups will be able to find out more about home fire prevention.”

FRNSW Open Day will be held at Lismore and Goonellabah fire stations. Lismore's is located at 139-141 Molesworth Street and Goonellabah's is located at 13 Taylor Avenue.

NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said Open Day will also focus on educating the community about the importance of having a working smoke alarm in their home.

“Each year, approximately 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented. Sadly, almost all of these fatalities occur in people’s homes. Each death is a tragic loss for families, friends and the wider community,” Mr Elliott said.

“For each fire fatality, there are also hundreds more people who survive a fire but suffer life-changing health consequences. Firefighters are committed to reducing the risk of such fires and to protecting the irreplaceable.”

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said in the lead up to winter, Open Day was the perfect opportunity for the community to talk to firefighters about home fire safety.

“We see a 10-per cent increase in the number of house fires during the cooler months, with fires starting in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to heaters and electric blankets,” Mr Baxter said. 

“This year we want to help residents prepare their homes, and in particular, encourage them to check their smoke alarms and have a Home Fire Escape Plan. We have developed a Get Ready for Winter checklist -- to find out more, visit https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter.

For more information on FRNSW Open Day, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/openday

TENTERFIELD’S FINEST: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and NSW Shadow Minister for Local Government Greg Warren during a visit to Tenterfield Fire Station to meet and thank long-serving personnel and new recruits last year.