17 June 2026
Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management
Every winter, Tasmania sees a seasonal increase in house fires, with more homes damaged or destroyed and lives put at risk.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said we are urging all households to ensure there is a working smoke alarm wherever anyone sleeps as part of their new home fire safety campaign.
“We want every Tasmanian to ask themselves a simple question; would I get out safely if a fire started tonight?” Minister Ellis said.
“Increased use of heaters and cooking appliances during colder months can create the perfect conditions for preventable house fires.
“Tragically, we know house fires are most likely to become fatal at night, when people are asleep and unaware a fire has started.
“During sleep, the sense of smell does not wake us, allowing a fire to spread rapidly before it is detected.
“A working smoke alarm provides the only reliable early warning, giving families the vital seconds needed to escape.
“Small actions taken today can prevent devastating consequences tomorrow. Fire doesn’t wait, and neither should we.”
The theme of this year’s Tasmania Fire Service safety campaign is only working smoke alarms save lives.
Households are urged to act immediately by ensuring there is a working smoke alarm in every sleeping area.
TFS is encouraging households to focus on the basics:
- ensure smoke alarms are in the right places, including anywhere someone sleeps;
- test smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed;
- replace any smoke alarm older than 10 years;
- keep heaters clear of furniture, clothing, and anything flammable;
- never leave cooking unattended;
- take extra care when charging lithium-ion batteries; and
- avoid overloading power boards, especially during peak winter use.
For more information on home fire safety, visit https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/