• Insurer Suncorp received 806 house fire-related claims across Australia in 2025, with Victoria recording the highest number, followed closely by New South Wales and Queensland.
• Suncorp and the nation's fire authorities urge all Australians to use Smoke Alarm Action Day on 1 June to test their smoke alarms, check expiry dates, and ensure their families have clear escape plans.
• Simple household maintenance, including smoke alarm checks, could mean the difference between safety and tragedy during the winter fire season.

New data shows Suncorp received 806 house fire-related claims across Australia in 2025 — an average of two per day.

Victoria claimed the unwanted title of the nation’s fire capital, recording 253 house fires, while New South Wales followed closely behind with the second-highest number of house fires at 189.

Queensland rounded out the top three hotspots with 188 house fires, underscoring that the risk was not confined to the colder southern states.

Suncorp Chief Executive Consumer Insurance Lisa Harrison said the high number of house fires received should be a wake-up call for every household to check their primary line of defence before the winter chill sets in.

"The loss of a home is devastating, but the loss of life is a tragedy that may be preventable," Ms Harrison said.

"Smoke alarms are designed to give you the critical seconds needed to evacuate safely, particularly at night when your sense of smell is at its weakest.

"However, an alarm is only a lifesaver if it actually works, so we are urging all Australians today to push the test button, check the expiry date, and ensure their family has a clear escape plan."

NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said Smoke Alarm Action Day aimed to remind residents that a few minutes of maintenance can make all the difference.

“We can’t smell smoke when we sleep, so the loud bleeping noise of a smoke alarm is crucial to wake us up during a house fire,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.

“The few seconds it takes to regularly check that smoke alarms are clean and working can be the difference between life and death.”

Families are being urged to install modern photoelectric alarms, which are superior at detecting smouldering fires.

Facts for fire safety

• Monthly: Test your smoke alarm by pressing the test button.
• Six Months: Vacuum around the alarm vents to remove dust and cobwebs.
• Yearly: Replace lead-acid batteries (if your alarm uses them).
• 10 Years: Replace the entire smoke alarm unit, as sensors degrade over time.
• Photoelectric is best: These alarms are more effective at detecting smouldering fires, the most common type of fatal house fire.

Suncorp also recommends a range of ways people can protect their home from fires:

• Inspect heating appliances for damaged plugs, frayed cords, or signs of overheating. It is recommended to have appliances tested and tagged by a qualified electrician to ensure they are in working order.
• Keep appliances one metre away from anything flammable, such as curtains, furniture, bedding, or drying laundry.
• Avoid overloading power outlets by only plugging one heat-producing appliance into a single power outlet at a time. Overloading can cause circuits to overheat and spark fires.
• Check electric blankets for scorch marks, frayed cords, or damaged elements before use.
• Only use manufacturer or recommended charging cables for all electrical appliances including phones, especially e-scooters and e-bikes.