Albury firefighters are urging residents to undertake free home safety checks in a bid to prevent fire fatalities.
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Fire and Rescue NSW staff aim to complete 2000 such checks in the region this year.
Inspector Frank Finlay said firefighters talked to residents about their escape plans, safety hazards and smoke detectors.
"It's now just over 10 years since the law was passed requiring smoke detectors in every home, and one on each level," he said.
"Smoke detectors have a lifespan of 10 years.
"We can come around and replace smoke alarms or install batteries which last for 10 years."
Inspector Finlay said potential problems included older residents deadlocking their homes and hiding the keys at night, which made escaping a home more difficult.
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Brigades have been doorknocking homes to offer inspections.
"If anyone wants to give us a call they can ring their local fire station and make an appointment for us to go through their home with them," he said.
"It's about preventing firefighters from attending fatal incidents.
"We're working towards having zero fatalities in home fires."
The last fire death in the region occurred in Albury in June.
Danny Truhlar, 47, was found dead in the lounge room of his Kestrel Street home on June 23.
A garden hose was found leading into the home from the back of the property.
Police believe a heater may have sparked the fire, and that the 47-year-old had left, gotten the hose, and died while trying to put the flames out.
Firefighters have been doorknocking around Albury recently and offering to inspect people's houses.
Inspector Finlay said the initiative had been welcomed by those involved.
"Everyone seems to be very positive about it," he said.