As winter draws to a close, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging residents and visitors to stay fire safe on the snowfields.

There have been eight residential fires across the Snowy Monaro and Snowy Valleys local government areas so far this season, four in each district.

Although no-one’s been injured, half the homes were not fitted with a working smoke alarm.

FRNSW’s snowfields crews work in a unique environment but many of the winter risks are the same across the state, including distractions in the kitchen, flammable materials too close to the heater, and smoke alarms either not working or missing.

“Whether it’s drying snow gear too close to a heater or a ski lodge fireplace in need of maintenance, our crews are available for a home fire safety visit to point out the dangers,” Perisher Valley fire station officer, Scott Hanley, said.

“We’ll provide you with safety advice and even install a 10-year smoke alarm, free of charge, if required.”

FRNSW’s home fire safety visits are available to anyone in NSW and can be booked at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits.

“In the meantime, we want everyone to develop a fire escape plan, especially if you’re staying in holiday or unfamiliar accommodation, and regularly test your smoke alarms to keep your family safe,” station officer Hanley added.