Perisher Valley firefighters want skiers, locals to be ‘fire safe’ on NSW snowfields after 3 blazes

Aug 2025
Perisher Valley firefighters demonstrate their use of drones. Photo: FRNSW
Perisher Valley firefighters demonstrate their use of a drone. Photo: FRNSW

Perisher Valley firefighters want visitors and locals alike to remain “Fire Safe” on the NSW snowfields even as winter winds down.

The message from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) comes after they put out three domestic fires in the Snowy Valley Local Government Area (LGA) this snow season.

FRNSW says one fire started in a kitchen, a second in some rubbish and a third when a power-bank battery caught fire in a loungeroom.

No-one was injured, they say.

With around 850 residential fires and seven deaths statewide this winter, FRNSW wants to prevent any more loss − of life and property.

“We want to keep everyone safe this winter, particularly those visiting us in the NSW alpine areas,” said FRNSW Perisher Valley Fire Station officer Scott Hanley.

PERISHER VALLEY SNOWFIELDS FIRE MESSAGE

“It’s crucial you keep all your clothing a metre from any heater,” he urges.

“If you come home after you’ve been out skiing or out in the winter conditions and your clothing’s cold and wet, make sure when you’re drying your gear, it can’t catch alight from an adjacent heater.

“Another big tip … when you get home and hungry, keep looking while cooking. Stay attentive because around 40% of fires in homes across the state occur in the kitchen,” Hanley explains.

“The key bit of safety advice … only a working smoke alarm will save your life,” the Perisher Valley officer says.

“Ensure you have smoke alarms in your home, make sure you’re changing any batteries and regularly check they’re in good working order,” Hanley says.

Two days ago (August 20) at Werrington Downs in western Sydney, FRNSW says that a working smoke alarm saved a teenager when a fire broke out in his home.

The occupant was taken for treatment suffering from minor burns and smoke inhalation while the fire was contained in an hour.

MORE SAFETY ADVICE: visit the FRNSW website here.


BE SMART, BE SAFE: NSW Police message to skiers, hikers

Scroll to Top