The cooler months see a ten percent increase in the number of home fires, with a prevalence of fire in bedrooms and lounge rooms due to heaters, electric blankets, and the like.

Kempsey Fire and Rescue Station Commander, Captain Tony Hackenberg, says the winter fire season has well and truly started throughout the area.

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"We've started receiving several call outs throughout the community as people start their winter heating plans," he told the Argus.

"At the moment, we're commonly assisting people with their fire alarms to ensure they're operational and set up correctly."

Along with fire alarm installation and check ups, Mr Hackenberg explained that chimney problems are common throughout winter along with heaters and fires.

"We recommend people get their chimney's checked out and cleaned, as well as ensuring they're abiding by the one metre rule where objects and clothes should be a metre away from their heating devices," he explained.

There are a number of other simple steps you can take to prepare your home against the risk of fire this winter:

Kitchen fires are another problem Fire and Rescue departments see during these winter months with FRNSW Community Safety and Research Chief Superintendent Mick Morris stating last year that people should 'keep looking when cooking'.

"Kitchen fires account for 45 per cent of all residential fires and 34 per cent of injuries in NSW. Flames or heat sources being left unattended are the most common cause contributing to kitchen fires," he said.

"It can take just three minutes for a fire to take hold, but only seconds to prevent one.

"To avoid kitchen fire catastrophes, we urge people to 'keep looking when cooking'.

"It's a simple way to avoid losing your home or even worse, your loved ones or your own life."

FRNSW recommends the following simple safety checklist for home cooks: