Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is asking everyone to put fire safety at the front of their minds following a spike in the number of fatal house fires.

FENZ risk reduction and investigations manager Peter Gallagher said in the past year 17 people have died in avoidable residential house fires across the country.

"This is our worst year in 10 years. With the cooler weather, we see more house fires. It is so important that people take some simple steps to ensure whanau and friends are safe," he said.

Lake Hāwea Fire Brigade said it was important to identify fire hazards “before they cause a major issue”.

“Always keep furniture, clothing and other flammables a metre from the heater,” the local brigade advised. “Lint build-up in the dryer can cause a fire. Clean the lint filter out every time.”

Having your chimney cleaned is another important step, the Lake Hāwea Fire Brigade said.

Lastly, it stressed the importance of letting fire ash cool down.

“Ash can reignite for up to five days. Ash needs to be properly cooled before being put in a bucket. Once cleared out of the fireplace, stash your ash in a metal bucket, saturated with water, for five days.”

Peter added some additional tips.

"A fire can be un-survivable within just three minutes which is why it’s so important to get that early warning of fire from your smoke alarms,” he said.

In many of the recent fatal fires there have been working smoke alarms, but they have not been in the right places.

"Having one working smoke alarm in your lounge won’t help if a fire starts from the heater in your bedroom and you’re asleep in there with the door closed,” Peter said. “Make sure you have working smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways, and living areas - including in caravans and in sleep outs.”

"When you hear your smoke alarms go off, get out and stay out. Make sure your family has a three-step escape plan. A three-step escape plan is working smoke alarms, your best and alternative ways out, and a safe meeting place.”

“...check all electrical equipment is in good working order. If you use an electric blanket, check for hotspots by turning it on high for 15 minutes, then switching it off and running your hand over the blanket. Make sure to turn your electric blanket off before you go to sleep."

Peter said during winter months people have been known to turn to dangerous alternative heating sources to heat their homes and he said FENZ wanted to “remind people that all outdoor equipment should not be used as a heating method within their home".

More fire safety advice can be found here.

Peter urged people to take the time this weekend to put some of these simple steps - which can save lives - in place. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App