That was the need for parents to make fire safety a priority and ensure their households do not make the simple mistakes or lapses which can lead to fires.

The firefighters from NSW Fire and Rescue’s Dubbo brigade were chatting with parents to give them the key fire messages as winter starts to set in.

Most home fires start in the kitchen when items are left cooking unattended on the stove top.

A fire safety demonstration showed what could happen if cooking oil was left to burn on the stove top. Fire. In a matter of minutes.

And if there is a fire, it can take hold of a house in only three minutes.

That is a tiny amount of time … just enough to escape the blaze.

It is why firefighters want all residents to have a fire escape plan.

The brigade also wants residents to have the necessary fire safety devices in place and working. The firefighters will do everything they can to help everyone stay safe and fire free.

It makes sense to stick to the safety advice and rules.

Why place the lives of loved ones at risk?

The number of house fires increases in winter and it is a busy time for firefighters.

So, residents should make sure the smoke alarms are working, have them tested if they are unsure, clean chimneys, use firescreens on wood heaters, have serviceable gas or other heaters and regularly replace electric blankets.

Another common cause of fire in winter is efforts to dry or warm clothing near a fire or on a heater.

It is simple ... don’t do it.

Don’t leave meals cooking unattended on the stove.

Use common sense and be cautious.

And importantly, draw up a fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the home understands it.

Across NSW, there are hundreds of injuries each year from cooking-related fires and there have been some deaths.

This city has not had a death from fire for several years, which Dubbo Fire & Rescue attributes to it being proactive in the community and people listening and making homes safe.

We should all make sure it stays that way.