QUEENSLAND smoke alarm laws are set to make homes safer over the next decade.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bill Byrne introduced abill to Parliament yesterday to require the installation of photoelectric smoke detectors by 2027.

Mr Byrne said the reforms were about saving lives.　

“Tragically, more than 150 people have died in house fires in Queensland since 2004,” Mr Byrne said.　

“We know smoke alarms play a critical role in letting people know there is a fire and greatly increase the chances of people getting out and getting out quickly.”　

“However, their effectiveness depends on the type of alarm used, where they’re located, their power source and whether they are connected to one another.”　

The proposed changes, to be phased in over ten years, require the photoelectric smoke alarms to be hard-wired or powered by a 10-year lithium battery.

The alarms are to be installed in bedrooms, living areas, escape paths and connected to other alarms in the house.　

Station officer Dennis Burton said QFES had been recommending photoelectric smoke alarms for quite some time.

“They are less susceptible to nuisance calls,” Mr Burton said.

“They give an earlier warning for smouldering fires, which are one of the most likely domestic fires.”

Mr Burton said people could contact the station if they were unsure what type of smoke alarm they had.

“We can have a look at what type it is and if it is correctly located,” he said.

Mr Byrne said the State Government was committed to eliminating house fire fatalities and acting on recommendations by the State Coroner.　

“Working smoke alarms save lives,” he said.　

“This is about ensuring all Queenslanders are using the best possible smoke alarms available to maximise their chances of getting their families out of a house fire in time,” he said.

For more information, phone the Warwick station on 46675167 or 137468.