In June this year, an apartment block in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley was engulfed by flames. Some residents had to be rescued with cherry pickers, while others reported that alarms allegedly did not sound. Thankfully, there were no casualties, but the multi-million-dollar repairs are still ongoing months later.

This incident is a sobering reminder of how critical fire safety is in strata properties. Living in close quarters means that if a fire breaks out, it has the potential to spread quickly through multiple homes—putting lives, property, and investments at risk.

Common Causes of Fire in Strata

In strata living, the most frequent fire risks are electrical, often linked to cooking or heating equipment:

• A heater left too close to furniture
• A smouldering lounge cushion
• A dirty oven igniting grease and smoke

These seemingly minor hazards can fill an apartment with toxic smoke before a fire is even visible.

NSW Fire Safety Regulations

Fire safety in strata isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement. Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (NSW):

• New buildings must provide a Fire Safety Certificate before receiving an Occupation Certificate. A copy must also be sent to NSW Fire Brigades and displayed prominently within the building.
• Existing buildings must submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) every year. A copy must be sent to NSW Fire Brigades and displayed in the building.

Failure to lodge an AFSS can result in a Penalty Infringement Notice from council.

The AFSS confirms that a qualified person has inspected the property and that:

• Fire safety notices are displayed correctly
• Fire exits, doors, and paths of travel are unobstructed
• All essential fire safety measures are in working order

Different councils apply these rules slightly differently. For example, North Sydney Council specifically requires owners to lodge and display certificates, with penalties issued for late submissions.

Budgeting for Fire Safety

Engaging a fire safety inspector is an annual expense that every Owners Corporation should plan for. Including the cost in the scheme’s budget ensures compliance without financial surprises.

Metro Strata’s Commitment

At Metro Strata, we take fire safety seriously. We have a dedicated Fire Coordinator, Tracy Stockton, who oversees scheme compliance to ensure essential fire safety measures are up to standard.

Our role is to give owners peace of mind that their property isn’t just compliant on paper—it’s genuinely safe for residents.

Final Word

Fire safety saves lives, but it requires vigilance. Whether it’s keeping exits clear, maintaining alarms, or lodging annual statements, every step is critical.