Complacency blamed for NSW fire deaths

Complacency is being blamed for a rise in the number of accidental house fires and deaths in NSW last year.

More than 4000 homes were burnt and 17 people died in blazes across the state in 2015, including four deaths in December.

This year is already off to a bad start with more than 50 house fires since the new year began, Fire and Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro says.

"Every day firefighters attend home fires that could have been prevented with a few simple steps and precautions," he said.

"Sadly this includes fires where people have been killed or seriously injured."

Accidental deaths in fires were up five in 2015 compared to the previous year.

The figures highlight the need for working smoke alarms and a practised home escape plan.

"The problem is complacency - people assume it will never happen to them," Mr Whybro said.

"But I can assure you it can. These figures speak for themselves."