Close call for Weston resident as unattended cooking sparks house fire | Weston
Published: 26 Jun 2025 07:00pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have prevented a tragedy at Weston, in the State’s Hunter region, thanks to a working smoke alarm and quick-thinking neighbours.
Shortly before 7pm last night, residents in Sixth Street heard the shrill sound of a smoke alarm coming from their neighbour’s property.
When the neighbour couldn’t be reached by phone, they immediately called Triple Zero (000).
On arrival, FRNSW firefighters from Abermain station found the home filled with smoke, reporting almost zero visibility.
Upon entering the home, crews found a burnt-out pot on the stove. The resident left meat boiling on low throughout the day and had left the house to run errands.
After removing the pot and venting the smoke from the home, FRNSW declared the property safe and concluded duties at approximately 8pm.
FRNSW is urging residents to avoid life-threatening complacency this winter by eliminating distractions and not leaving cooking unattended.
Duty Commander, Leading Station Officer Peter Curzi, credits the positive outcome to the presence of a working smoke alarm.
“This smoke alarm had been installed by FRNSW crews during a home fire safety visit only a month ago,” Leading Station Officer Curzi said.
“If you need help testing or installing a smoke alarm, we’re here for you. Anyone can book a free safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website - www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits or by calling your local fire station.”
“Local firefighters will come to your home, provide safety advice and, if required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm for free.”
“Had neighbours not been alerted by the smoke alarm on this occasion, this could very easily have been a tragedy.”
“In NSW last winter, there were 1,039 residential fires,” he added, “In 44-per cent of those cases, the home either did not have a smoke alarm or if one was present, it did not operate when the fire broke out.”
“12 people died and 107 others were injured in residential fires in NSW last winter.”
“In the Cessnock Local Government Area there were 10 residential fires last winter. In 70-per cent of those cases, smoke alarms were not present or did not activate.”
“We’re urging people to avoid distractions when preparing meals and to keep looking while cooking.”
“Above all, make sure you have a smoke alarm installed nearby. It can provide you with those crucial seconds to get everyone out of the home safely if there is a fire.”
Updated: 06 Mar 2026 6:26pm