MAITLAND FIRE STATION

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads): On behalf of Gerda Alexander and the residents of Oakwood Village, Gillieston Heights, I acknowledge Fire and Rescue NSW, specifically Deputy Captain Patrick Levesque and the firefighters from the Maitland station. Mrs Alexander called the station earlier this year to inquire what could be done to assist her neighbours, who are struggling to remain on top of fire safety issues in their homes. As part of Fire and Rescue NSW's fire home safety visits program, the crew at Maitland Fire Station visited the village en masse to aid the residents. During the safety visits, smoke alarms were checked for suitable location and working condition. For those without alarms, long‑life battery-powered smoke alarms were installed. Firefighters also gave personalised fire safety information and tips, including winter fire, cooking, heating, electrical, barbeque and gas safety. Winter is a time of greater risk of injury from fire starting in the home, and Fire and Rescue NSW's preventive fire safety checklist and home visits are designed to reduce the risk. I thank Patrick and the Maitland team for their dedication to protecting residents from the dangers of fire.