It’s a common perception that firefighters’ main work is cut out for them during summer.

But Wodonga CFA station officer David Brown said too often they were receiving calls in winter for fires that could have been avoided.

Mr Brown said the warning was a pre-emptive strike as people started their fires or turned their heaters on for the first time this year.

“Over the last few years we’ve seen an increase in calls through winter and a lot of it is attributed to a lack of maintenance in ducted heating, flues and electric blankets,” Mr Brown said.

“There are a lot more electronics and a lot more load on house systems, which is more fuel for a fire.

“There is more opportunity for things to go wrong and when fires do start, they are very hard to stop because of the fuel load.”

People are advised to place clothes at a safe distance from heaters.

Mr Brown said people should also inspect electric blankets for frayed cords or signs of damage where they have been folded.

“When you fold them you bend the elements in the blanket that’s where the wear starts and the heat builds up; if there is any doubt don’t use it.”

Gas heaters should be serviced at least every two years and firefighters recommend using a licensed gas plumber.

Owner of M&M Jacobs Gas Fittings Malcolm Jacobs said for people who have ducted heating, clean the air filter and 90 per cent of the job is done.

“A lot of people do wait until their heaters break down and a lot of the time they just need servicing,” Mr Jacobs said.

“I know they say carbon monoxide doesn’t smell, but if it makes your eyes and nose runny and sting it could be carbon monoxide in high quantity — it is time to turn the heater off and get someone to look at it. Make sure pilot lights are a nice blue flame and if it’s a radiant heater they should be a nice red from top to bottom.

“In all seriousness it costs you more in gas bills if you don’t get it serviced.”