Uploaded June 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In a tragic start to winter, two people lost their lives today when a fire broke out in their home, caused by a faulty refrigerator.
Five FRNSW crews arrived at the Glendenning address this morning and found the home well ablaze. As the roof began collapsing around them, firefighters entered the home and quickly located a woman, aged in her 70’s. CPR was commenced but the woman was unable to be revived.
Firefighters fought off aggressive flames but were forced to retreat due to the collapsing roof. Once they extinguished the flames, crews went back inside and located the body of a man, also in his 70's.
Fire Investigation Research Unit officers and Police Forensics experts honed in on the refrigerator as the cause of the blaze. The fridge’s motor will be thoroughly examined by investigators.
There has now been three deaths in the first three days of winter, a pattern we don't want to see continue.
We're urging YOU this winter:
👉 Ensure smoke alarms are fitted and maintained
👉 Clean heaters and consider replacing old heaters
👉 Develop an escape plan with your home’s occupants
👉 Keep looking when cooking
👉 Don’t overload power boards
👉 Keep everything a metre from the heater
👉 Never use wheat bags to warm your bed
👉 Clean the lint out of your clothes dryer
👉 Check electric blankets for frayed cords and damage
👉 Don’t use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home as it can be fatal
If you're unsure, please contact your local Fire Station to discuss booking a fire safety visit at your home. Firefighters can check and replace your smoke alarms if necessary.
Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
This winter, keep you and your loved ones safe by using our Get Ready for Winter checklist - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter
In a tragic start to winter, two people lost their lives today when a fire broke out in their home, caused by a faulty refrigerator.
Five FRNSW crews arrived at the Glendenning address this morning and found the home well ablaze. As the roof began collapsing around them, firefighters entered the home and quickly located a woman, aged in her 70’s. CPR was commenced but the woman was unable to be revived.
Firefighters fought off aggressive flames but were forced to retreat due to the collapsing roof. Once they extinguished the flames, crews went back inside and located the body of a man, also in his 70's.
Fire Investigation Research Unit officers and Police Forensics experts honed in on the refrigerator as the cause of the blaze. The fridge’s motor will be thoroughly examined by investigators.
There has now been three deaths in the first three days of winter, a pattern we don't want to see continue.
We're urging YOU this winter:
👉 Ensure smoke alarms are fitted and maintained
👉 Clean heaters and consider replacing old heaters
👉 Develop an escape plan with your home’s occupants
👉 Keep looking when cooking
👉 Don’t overload power boards
👉 Keep everything a metre from the heater
👉 Never use wheat bags to warm your bed
👉 Clean the lint out of your clothes dryer
👉 Check electric blankets for frayed cords and damage
👉 Don’t use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside the home as it can be fatal
If you're unsure, please contact your local Fire Station to discuss booking a fire safety visit at your home. Firefighters can check and replace your smoke alarms if necessary.
Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
This winter, keep you and your loved ones safe by using our Get Ready for Winter checklist - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter
