Sydney fire crew uses satire for safety

In what can easily be dubbed a sign of the times, Australian firefighters have summed up two political controversies in one billboard.

The picture of Newtown Fire Station in Sydney's inner-west was instantly popular on social media after poking fun at the hot topics.

"Scrap visa checks, conduct home fire checks instead, relax and watch Gayby Baby", the billboard reads.

The station said sparking talk about fire safety was always a good thing.

The sign refers to recent outrage over a new film about children with gay parents.

The release of Gayby Baby dominated local media last week after the New South Wales premier and education minister reportedly intervened to stop it being shown in public schools.

Meanwhile, an announcement that the Australian Border Force would carry out visa checks on the streets of Melbourne sparked a social media outcry, with fears of harassment and racial profiling.

Newtown Fire Station regularly put out the satirical signs, and this is not the first time they have caught the attention of the social media.

A fireman who answered the phone at Newtown station, who asked not to be named, said there was a serious reason behind the signs.

"We wanted to get people talking about fire safety," he said.

"It's not a hot topic, so anything that can draw attention to it and get people talking is a good thing."