Firefighters are warning about the potential dangers of heaters after a house fire at Lake Macquarie on Wednesday.
Fire and Rescue NSW says the blaze at Redhead was believed to have been sparked by clothes hanging next to a heater in a bedroom.
The Charlestown crew was called to the scene about 11.15am and quickly extinguished the fire, but there was extensive damage to the bedroom.
The occupants evacuated safely.
"Fire and Rescue NSW are reminding residents to always ensure safety around heaters and fireplaces as we head into the winter months," the emergency agency said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
The advice from Fire and Rescue NSW is:
- Do not overload power boards
- Ensure everything is kept a metre from the heater
- Check your electric and gas heaters before you use them. If you suspect a fault have the item checked by a qualified repairer or replaced
- Check all cords for fraying and damage
- Plug heaters directly into wall sockets only
- Never use any outdoor heating or cooking equipment inside your home
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