NSW fire authorities are reminding householders about the importance of fire alarms after 21 people were injured in house fires across the state in one day.
Some people didn't have smoke alarms and "narrowly escaped death", Fire and Rescue NSW says.
Emergency services were called to 12 house fires between 1pm (AEST) on Monday and the same time on Tuesday.
They treated 21 people for injuries, seven who were hospitalised.
People without smoke alarms were "dicing with death", Commissioner Greg Mullins said.
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"It's the law, you must have smoke alarms and for very good reason."
FRNSW urged residents to ensure their homes were fire safe by replacing old appliances, checking and installing smoke alarms, making an escape plan, supervising cooking food and turning off appliances and putting out fires before going to bed.
Over 60 per cent of fire deaths occur during the cooler months.
Dinner time is peak fire period with more than 1400 fires reported between 1700 to 1900 from May to July.
