New winter fire safety warning as Sydney couple faces rebuild after blaze destroys home

7NEWS

2 days ago

A mother who dragged her husband to safety from a devastating blaze — which has sparked new warnings over fire safety — is a 'brave' woman who 'won't ever back down,' according to their son.
Maria Charalambous, 68, was taking a shower early Friday morning when a fire broke out in the bedroom where her husband Nick, 82, was sleeping.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Bonnyrigg bungalow destroyed by fire.
'I pulled his legs. I said, 'Come on, wake up, wake up, there is a fire,'' Maria recalled.
Authorities say the situation could have turned into an 'absolute tragedy' if Maria had not been awake at the time, as the fire spread rapidly throughout the home.
Their son, Nikos, said he was in shock but not surprised by his mother's heroic actions at the Bonnyrigg Heights property in Sydney, where the couple has lived for more than 30 years.
'She's a small lady, but she's so brave,' he told 7NEWS.com.au.
'She's tough. She won't ever back down. I'm really proud of her.'
The blaze is believed to have been caused by an electric heater plugged into a wall outlet.
Nick had left the heater running overnight to keep their dogs warm.
Four of the couple's beloved dogs managed to escape, but tragically, three were lost in the fire.
No smoke alarm sounded, as it had been turned off.
Flames completely destroyed the family home, along with irreplaceable memories — including photographs, videos, and other treasured possessions.
'Everything was just gone in a second,' Nikos said.
'My parents are going back to the house every day, trying to salvage what they can. They're trying to keep busy. There's no set plan at the moment.'
In another heartbreaking blow, the couple had recently cancelled their home insurance as a cost-saving measure.
Nikos hopes his parents' ordeal serves as a warning to others.
'When you hear stories like this, you never think it will happen to you — but it can,' he said.
He also condemned the 'disgusting' online trolls who have targeted his family in the wake of the tragedy.
Fortunately, his parents are not on social media and have been shielded from most of the negativity.
'It's so sad that my parents are in this position,' he said.
'They've just lost their home — something they've worked their whole lives for. The cruel comments are not needed. We wouldn't wish this on anyone.'
Nikos has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his parents get back on their feet.
Winter warning
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said there has been a rise in dangerous fires as winter sets in — prompting renewed warnings.
He stressed the importance of keeping electric heaters at least one metre away from flammable objects and recommended switching them off overnight.
'The first line of defence in an emergency is a smoke alarm that is less than 10 years old,' Dewberry told 7NEWS.com.au.
He added that in nearly half of house fire emergencies, smoke alarms are either non-compliant or not installed correctly.
'Know the risks. Don't overload power boards, test electric blankets, be careful with heat packs, and don't leave food unattended on stovetops,' he said.
NSW authorities have also issued a separate warning about the dangers of hot foods and liquids, particularly for children.
In 2024, more than 400 children required specialised medical care for scalds caused by accidental spills.
An additional 48 children suffered contact burns from hot surfaces like stoves, cooktops, and barbecues.
'It's crucial to remember that hot food and drinks, which may feel safe for an adult, can cause serious burns to a child,' said Torey Lawrence, head of burns at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.
'Children's skin is much thinner than adults', and even a small amount of hot liquid can result in deep, severe burns.
'Burns injuries can cause both life-long injuries and scarring. These can have a lasting impact on a child's physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing.'
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