Following rigorous research and testing, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have launched their updated fire safety education programs for Early Childhood Education and Care Services and Primary Schools.

Designed to reduce the risk of fire to children aged between 3 and 10 years, the updated programs are mapped to the Australian curriculum and have been reviewed and supported by the NSW Department of Education.

Assistant Commissioner Trent Curtain said children are one of our most at-risk groups when it came to risk of fire. In the last five years (2015-2020), FRNSW responded to 8,102 fires caused by children and 12 child fire fatalities.

“Children often have a limited capacity to understand the risks and consequences of fire”, he said.

“Fire safety education is the first line of defence against misuse of fire and fire-related injuries and fatalities in children.”

“Fire safety education not only prevents fire, it improves response to fire and empowers children by providing them with the capacity to make informed decisions, enhancing resilience.”

The updated programs consist of four educator delivered lessons, one school fire evacuation drill, and one firefighter delivered session. They have also been developed to cater for children with diverse learning needs, with resources that facilitate delivery to students with autism, intellectual disability, deafness or hearing loss, and blindness or vision loss.

While the educator delivered lessons teach children about fire safety, the firefighter delivered session consolidates learning while encouraging the formation of positive relationships between children and firefighters.

Assistant Commissioner Trent Curtain said, “These programs have been designed on the back of extensive evidence-based research. They will enhance our capacity to reduce misuse of fire and fire related injuries and fatalities in children.”

To access the programs and all associated resources, go to: