Fire safety

This information is for all:

  • property owners
  • property managers
  • tenants
  • business operators who own, occupy or manage residential, commercial, retail or industrial buildings.

It aims to increase awareness of fire safety issues in both residential and commercial property and Council's role in improving building fire safety.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are critical life-saving devices that provide early warning to occupants of the presence of fire. Smoke alarms are compulsory in all

  • homes
  • apartments
  • rental properties
  • relocatable homes
  • caravans
  • moveable dwellings
  • any other residential buildings where people may sleep.

For more information on smoke alarms, see NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

Fire safety certificates

A fire safety certificate is a document issued by or on behalf of the building owner(s) when new building work is completed.

It confirms that all required fire safety measures that apply to that building have been installed and checked by a qualified person.

The standard template form that must be followed is available at NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment.

Fire safety statements

Fire safety statements are issued by or on behalf of the owner(s) of an existing building.

The statement confirms that an accredited fire safety practitioner has assessed, inspected, and verified the performance of each fire safety measure that applies to the building.

For information on fire safety statements, visit NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

Completed  fire safety statements should be submitted to both Council and Fire and Rescue NSW. Submit these to Council by emailing fire.safety@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

To request additional time to lodge an annual fire safety statement, email fire.safety@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

Accredited fire safety practitioner

An accredited fire safety practitioner is a person that is required to undertake certain specialist fire safety assessment functions required.

For more information about fire safety practitioners, visit NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.