Your Local Fire Authority

ACT Fire & Rescue

ACT Fire & Rescue is one of the most versatile Fire Services in Australia, working closely with both the community and the Government. ACT Fire & Rescue is fully trained in all areas of fire fighting, rescue and hazardous materials handling.

Smoke Alarm Law in the ACT:

All homes built since 1994 are required to have mains-powered smoke alarms installed.

Fire and Rescue New South Wales

Fire and Rescue NSW is one of the world's largest urban fire and rescue services, managing fire and rescue emergencies in NSW's major cities and towns, and responding to hazardous materials incidents and possible terrorism activities across the State. Fire and Rescue NSW operates seamlessly, supportively and cooperatively with other emergency services and has a world class disaster response capability that can be quickly projected interstate or internationally.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is one of the world's largest volunteer fire services and has over a century of experience in protecting some of the most fire-prone areas on earth. The NSW RFS provides fire protection for more than 95 per cent of NSW, including 1,200 towns and villages, with 2,100 volunteer rural fire brigades having a total membership of just over 70,000.

Smoke Alarm Law in New South Wales:

Legislation requires all NSW residents to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on each level of their home. This includes owner occupied, rental properties, relocatable homes or any other residential building where people sleep. This requirement has been in place since 1 May 2006 and has now been expanded to include caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep.

This has been the law since May 1, 2006 and can include hard-wired or battery powered smoke alarms.

The Metropolitan Fire Emergency Services Board (MFB).

The MFB is a community safety organisation committed to providing world-class protection from fire and other emergencies on Melbourne's major metropolitan areas. It works closely with Melbourne's diverse communities to promote community safety and coordinate emergency prevention and preparedness activities.

Country Fire Authority (CFA).

CFA is one of the world's largest volunteer-based emergency management organisations that serves a population of approximately 2.6 million people and protects more than one million dwellings across two thirds of Victoria. CFA concentrates heavily on building self-reliant communities by creating a shared responsibility for community safety.

Smoke Alarm Law in Victoria:

All homes constructed after 1st August 1997 are required to have mains-powered smoke alarms installed. Smoke alarms should be supported by a home fire escape plan. For further information visit the MFB or CFA website.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS).

The QFRS is the primary provider of fire and rescue services throughout Queensland. It also provides chemical and hazardous material management, community education of fire and safety issues, and rural land management advice.

QLD Smoke Alarm Laws:

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Smoke Alarm Law in Queensland:

Since 1 July 2007, owners of homes and units have been required to install smoke alarms in all pre 1997 - homes. Since 1 July 1997, mains-wired smoke alarms have been required in all new or significantly renovated homes and units. Smoke alarms should be supported by a home fire evacuation plan.

The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS).

The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and the South Australian Country Fire Service protect life, property and the environment in South Australia from fire and other emergencies. The MFS and the CFS work across all South Australia’s communities to promote safety, prevention and preparedness for emergencies.

Smoke Alarm Law in the South Australia:

Smoke alarms are compulsory for all residential buildings. Houses built since 1 January 1995 must be equipped with hard-wired smoke alarms. All other houses must be equipped with at least 9v battery powered smoke alarms. When a house is sold the new owner has six months to install alarms which are hard wired or powered by 10 year life, non-replaceable, non-removable batteries.

The early warning provided by smoke alarms has been responsible for saving lives and properties across Australia but they are only the first step in having a Home Fire Escape Plan. Go to www.mfs.sa.gov.au for more information on how to make your Home Fire Escape Plan.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA.

FESA works in partnership with the people of Western Australia to improve community safety and provide effective and timely emergency services. FESA is focused on reducing the impact of natural and man made hazards on the WA community, and helps the community prepare, prevent (where possible) and respond safely to disasters.

Smoke Alarm Legislation.

Since the 1 October 2009 it is law for mains powered smoke alarms to be installed in residential properties. This is for properties built before 1997 that are being sold, rented or for hire. In dwellings where the construction of the building does not permit a space to conceal the wiring or where no mains power is available, smoke alarms with a ten year battery life are permitted.

The installation of mains powered smoke alarms has be become mandatory since the 1 October 2011 for all rentals or leased properties.

Under Building Regulations Amendment 2009 an electrical contractor must install mains powered smoke alarms before a property is sold or in rental or hire properties.

Tasmania Fire Services (TFS).

The TFS undertakes emergency response, fire investigations, community fire education and building safety, working closely with government agencies and communities to enhance emergency response and safety for all Tasmanians.

Smoke Alarm Law in the Tasmania:

Tasmanian building regulations require, since August 1997, that all new residential buildings and all other residential buildings that have renovations completed for which a building permit is required, have at least one smoke alarm installed, connected directly to the building's electrical supply. These smoke alarms must have a battery back-up. May 1, 2006 and can include hard-wired or battery powered smoke alarms.

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS).

The NTFRS undertakes emergency response, fire investigations, community fire education and building safety, working closely with government agencies and communities to enhance emergency response and safety for all Territorians.

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES).

The NTPFES is a tri-service with an overarching vision to enhance community safety and protection through excellent policing, fire prevention and emergency response services to the community. The NTPFES is committed to improving public safety through service delivery that is second to none.

Smoke Alarm Law in the Northern Territory:

From 01 November 2011 new legislation enacted in the Northern Territory means all owners of residential premises, moveable dwellings, caravans and temporary accommodation including safari-style tents must ensure approved smoke alarms are installed in those premises or dwellings in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 13B of the Fire and Emergency Regulations.

Approved smoke alarm means:
A photo-electric smoke alarm that

• (a) complies with AS3786 (Smoke alarms); and
• (b) is wired or is a sealed 10 lithium battery unit.