Spotlight on granny flat fire safety after family killed in blaze

A tragic fire in a granny flat in Western Sydney claimed the lives of a 52-year-old man, his 43-year-old wife, and their 16-year-old son last month. The blaze at a residence in Wiley Park highlighted the importance of proper fire safety measures in smaller dwellings. Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) revealed the property only had one entry/exit, the front door, which was blocked by intense flames, with the windows secured by iron bars.

The National Construction Code mandates at least one exit from each storey, but FRNSW advises having at least two options in every room. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the incident has sparked discussions on fire safety in smaller dwellings, which have seen a surge in approvals nationwide. The Housing Industry Association (HIA) reported a 23.6% increase in granny flat approvals in NSW for the 2025-2026 financial year, with over 3,592 applications.

Simon Croft, HIA's chief executive of industry and policy, noted that granny flats are increasingly being built due to rising land, building, and living costs. The NCC requires all Class 1a dwellings, including granny flats, to meet the same core fire and safety requirements as a house, including having at least one exit from each storey.

FRNSW emphasizes the importance of having at least two exit options in every room, especially when windows are barred for security purposes. They strongly recommend households to strike a balance between home security and fire safety, having a well-planned escape route. FRNSW urges residents to create a fire escape plan and perform regular checks on smoke alarms, which must be installed in all storeys, including hallways and rooms without them.

Landlords in NSW are legally obligated to provide at least one working smoke alarm in their rental properties and perform annual checks. Tenants should also voice any safety concerns to their landlords.