Ayr Fire & Rescue Station Urges Burdekin Locals to Check Smoke Alarms Amid Recent House Fires  

By Jacob Casha

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In the wake of several deadly house fires across North Queensland over the past six months, Queensland Fire and Rescue is calling on residents to ensure their homes are fitted with regulation smoke alarms.
 
“In Gladstone, Emerald, and now Townsville, people are either critically injured or have lost their life in a house fire,” said Ayr Station Officer Ash Ryder.
 
“I don’t want to see that in our own community.”
 
Queensland sees over 1,600 house fires each year—about one every five hours—and averages around 10 fire-related deaths annually over the past 25 years.
 
Research shows more than a third of fatal home fires occur in houses without smoke alarms, and 44 percent of fire deaths involve people who were asleep or resting.
 
Station Officer Ryder stressed the importance of early warning systems beyond legislation—in not only saving lives, but mitigating damage.
 
“We’ve had multiple local house fires where you can see the effectiveness of the smoke alarm warning versus houses without smoke alarms, where damage can be much more expensive and life threatening,” he said.
 
“By installing and having a smoke alarm, you’ll have enough time to wake up and either deal with the situation or evacuate your family safely and in time.”
 
New smoke alarm laws will come into effect for all Queensland private homes, townhouses, and units by 1 January 2027. These laws require interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms and living areas so that when one alarm sounds, all alarms in the dwelling activate. Registered caravans and motorhomes must also be fitted with at least one photoelectric smoke alarm.
 
Smoke alarms require regular maintenance, including dusting, vacuuming, and testing, to ensure they function properly. Residents are cautioned against removing batteries or disabling interconnected alarms, even to stop false activations, as this can put families at serious risk. Smoke Alarms now come with a 10-year battery which makes maintaining a smoke alarm easier than ever.
 
Burdekin locals are urged to check their smoke alarms today, record replacement dates, and make sure all devices comply with legislation. Properly maintained smoke alarms save lives and can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

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