Two kitchen fires at Corrimal and Cordeaux Heights last Friday prompted Fire Rescue NSW Inspector Don Pescud to issue a safety advisory.

‘‘Far too many people are not paying enough attention to what they’re doing. They’re leaving cooking, or leaving fat and oil,’’ Insp Pescud said.

‘‘You need to stay with it. Our motto is ‘keep looking while you’re cooking’, never walk away for a minute or for a phone call or anything. It’s a message we’ve been trying to get through for years – stay with your cooking.’’

Insp Pescud said winter was the busy season for fire crews, with many small household blazes started by heaters, electric blankets, fireplaces or other heating equipment.

‘‘If you have heaters, make sure they’re working properly. Don’t get too close, and don’t drape clothes over the top,’’ he said.

‘‘We get those calls all the time. People can’t believe how quickly it catches fire and spreads through the house.’’

Insp Pescud said kitchen fires in the Illawarra were common, and advised residents to never take their eyes off stove tops or ovens.

‘‘It happens more regularly than we want. If it’s safe to do so, alert someone else, turn the heat off, and if you are comfortable doing it, use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket,’’ he said.

‘‘If you’re not comfortable, exit the room and call triple-0.’’