House fire fatalities drop in Australia

House fire fatalities drop - Breaking News - National - Breaking News

The number of fatalities from house fires in NSW has dropped for the first time in five years, the state government says.

Emergency Services Minister Nathan Rees said 19 people died in house fires attended by the NSW Fire Brigade in 2006, compared to 39 in 2005, 36 in 2004, 30 in 2003 and 31 in 2002.

The drop coincides with new smoke alarm laws, which came into effect in May, making owners of buildings where people sleep responsible for ensuring smoke alarms are installed and maintained.

The laws were introduced after 13 people, including seven children, died in house fires in a two-week period in 2005.