Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) have renewed their longstanding alliance to enhance community fire safety and protection.

This collaboration was reaffirmed at the inaugural ‘Insurance Industry Forum’ hosted by the City of Sydney Fire Station, where both parties discussed strategies to mitigate fire risks.

The forum brought together FRNSW and ICA representatives to exchange recent research findings and best practices, as well as devise actionable strategies for fire prevention.

The discussions were timely, considering the announcement from the New South Wales (NSW) state government regarding new standards for lithium-ion batteries in personal mobility devices, which have seen an uptick in related fires.

The partnership, which dates back to the establishment of the first fire brigades in NSW in 1836, is set to address modern challenges such as the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

A dedicated future forum will focus on this issue, reflecting the evolving nature of fire risks and the need for ongoing collaboration.

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Key figures from FRNSW and ICA member companies, including Allianz, Holland, IAG, Munich Re, QBE, Strata Community Insurance, and Suncorp, will continue to participate in the Insurance Industry Forum.

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said: “This partnership with the ICA is not just a continuation of our current efforts, but a rekindling of a collaboration that dates back to the very origins of firefighting in New South Wales.

“We are really keen to leverage the combined expertise of both organisations, especially when it comes to building a shared view of current and emerging fire risk and uplifting community education to minimise this risk to better protect people and their assets.” 

ICA CEO Andrew Hall said: “Insurance companies not only play a critical role in understanding the risk factors policyholders face, they also are integral to helping communities recover from fire-related incidents. As insurers, we have access to data about how fires start and what the causes are, and this partnership aims to help us better understand how we can utilise this data to drive improved community safety outcomes.”

“Because insurers price risk, we can work directly with customers – homeowners, strata committee and businesses – to start highlighting best risk management practices for LI batteries and recharging of EVs.”

The ICA serves as the voice of the general insurance industry in Australia, with members accounting for over 90% of the Australian insurance market.