THREE St George district firefighters were more interested in talking about winter fire safety than promoting their own achievements after they were presented with service medals recently.
In just in the area covered by the Hurstville brigade alone, they said there already had been about a dozen house fires this winter.
Residents were urged to follow safety advice on heaters, electric blankets, smoke alarms and other matters on the Fire & Rescue NSW website.
Acting Superintendent Andrew Connon made the presentations at a low-key ceremony at Hurstville fire station.
Senior firefighter Graeme Ottley from Riverwood station was presented with the first clasp of the National Service Medal, for 25 years' service.
A National Service Medal was presented to senior firefighter Tim Hickey from Hurstville station for 15 years' service.
Senior firefighter Michael Packham, who achieved 10 years' service and is based at Hurstville, was presented with the Fire and Rescue NSW Medal for long service and good conduct.
Speaking on behalf of the group, senior firefighter Hickey said they wanted to use the occasion to promote the fire safety message.
"We take every opportunity we can," he said.
"Unfortunately, we are still getting a lot of house fires and most are because of poor winter safety in the use of heaters and electric blankets, and smoke alarms not being tested.
"We have had three house fires on my shift this winter, and each of the other three shifts has had as many, if not more."
Mr Hickey said old electric blankets were a big danger.
"When they are unfolded after being stored away for six to eight months the wires can weaken and short-circuit," he said.
"We recommend these blankets be tested by a qualified electrician."
Mr Hickey said he joined the NSW Fire Brigades, as it was then called, after serving as a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service.
"Sixteen years later, I am still loving it," he said.
HEED ADVICE
Winter fire safety advice includes:
Never leave cooking, open fires and candles unattended.
Keep clothing and other flammable materials at least one metre from heaters and open fires.
Turn off heaters and electric blankets before you go to sleep.
Clean the lint filter in clothes dryers after each load.
Don’t overload power points.
Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
Complete a safety check at: homefiresafetyaudit.com.au
Has there been a house fire in your suburb this winter, and, if so, do you know the cause?