Domestic fires in NSW last year seriously damaged more than 4,500 homes and many of the unwitting victims were children under the age of four.
Cooking and kitchen equipment are major causes of residential fires, along with household appliances such as clothes dryers, televisions and electric blankets.
Launching a national public awareness initiative for "Fire Safety at Home", Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Spokesman Ross Cameron, said the biggest tragedy was that the majority of fatal fires were preventable.
The campaign is a joint initiative of the Australian Treasury and the Fire Protection Association Australia.
Fire can be tragic resulting in serious burns and the loss of human life. Over the last five years, 126 people have died as the result of residential fires in NSW, and another 2,364 have suffered with serious injuries from residential fires.
"In some cases, the early warning of a smoke alarm could have helped to save lives. Householders should test their smoke alarms regularly," said Mr Cameron.
Chris Orr, National President of Fire Protection Association Australia, supported this fire safety message and urged householders to plan ahead and familiarise themselves with fire safety equipment. "Know how to use a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher well before you need to use it," said Mr Orr.
"Many victims of fire are children under four years old," Mr Cameron said. "We all have a duty-of-care to provide a safe home environment for our kids and teach them fire safety principles. Mr Cameron reminded householders to draw up a fire escape plan and practise it at least twice a year. "In the event of a fire you may only have two minutes or less to leave," he said.
The Fire Safety at Home: be prepared booklet guides householders on fire safety equipment for home use. The booklet also identifies common home fire hazards with some practical advice on how to safeguard against fire, and how to respond to fire in an emergency. Call 1300 305 866 to order a copy of the booklet. Also published online at www.consumersonline.gov.au