Cold weather sparks NSW home fires

Families trying to stay warm in the cold weather have caused eight house fires in NSW overnight, prompting a stern warning from fire authorities.

Fire and Rescue NSW says eight people have been taken to hospital after numerous incidents where power-boards overloaded, fire escaped from fireplaces and in one case, outdoor cooking equipment was used to heat the home.

"Always keep everything a metre from the heater," said F&R NSW Superintendent Ian Krimmer in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

"Don't, under any circumstances, bring outdoor equipment into the home, they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas."

Residential fires are most common during cold weather, he said.