Meet local firefighters at open day
Bondi fire station open day to focus on home safety.
Firefighters will open the doors to Bondi Fire Station on Sunday, May 10 for a local Fire and Rescue NSW community open day.
Meet your local firefighters and learn about home fire safety, between 10am and 1pm, at 359 Old South Head Road in North Bondi.
Children will be able to inspect a fire truck, enjoy demonstrations, and handle firefighting equipment.
Adults can learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, the importance of smoke alarms, and how to create a home fire escape plan.
Hatzolah will also be providing a kosher barbecue on the day, for the community to enjoy.
Senior firefighter Eddie Vaysbakh said the Bondi Fire Station Open Day is an opportunity to show people that firefighters do so much more than fight fires.
“From road crashes, hazardous material incidents and natural disasters to urban search and rescue, and fire education and prevention, our crews are prepared for anything and ready to help anytime, anywhere,” he said.
“A large part of our role is to educate the community about home fire safety and that’s where the open day comes in.
“This year we are focusing on the importance of having a working smoke alarm in your home.”
Vaysbakh noted that a simple but important thing to remember is that smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are in good working order.
“They should be tested monthly, and replaced after 10 years,” he said.
“Each year, around 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented, and many people who survive suffer life-changing health consequences.”
Another timely reminder, with winter approaching, is that there is a 10 per cent increase in the number of house fires during the cooler months.
Many fires start in bedrooms and lounge rooms, due to flammable materials left too close to heaters, and faulty electric blankets.
“This year, we want to help residents safeguard their homes, encourage them to check their smoke alarms, and have a home fire escape plan,” Vaysbakh said.