Raymond Terrace station captain Dave Davies said home owners need to check their fire safety to prevent more fires occurring.

‘‘Generally we have one serious house fire every winter but this year we have been able to control all of the fires at the source and we would like to keep it that way,’’ he said.

The message of prevention comes after six Raymond Terrace homes burnt down in serious fires in two months december 2008 to January 2009.

Leaving cooking unattended, heaters near flammable objects, electric blankets, clothes dryers and power boards are the main fire hazards during the colder months according to Mr Davies.

‘‘Most people don’t realise the things that can start a fire,’’ he said.

‘‘People leave their electric blankets on and let clothes build-up on top creating a heat spot which can easily start a fire.’’

Three to five minutes is the time it takes for a fire to become serious making smoke alarms and an early warning pivotal in escaping the home.

The NSW Fire Brigades has launched a website, www.homesafetyaudit.com.au, which assesses a home’s safety.

Mr Davies suggests visiting the site and sitting down with the whole family to discuss escape routes and evacuation meeting points.

‘‘Make a game out of it because often young children will run and hide under the bed or in the cupboard rather than leaving through a door or a window,’’ he said.