Firefighters were called to a workshop attached to a property on Morrisset Street around 3.30pm on Wednesday following reports of thick smoke billowing from the roof.

Station officer at Bathurst Fire Station, Guy Dover said the flue of the workshop’s wood fire had become dislodged during three years of not being used.

“The two pieces of the flue had separated and dropped pieces of ash into the roof cavity,” station officer Dover said.

“It hadn’t been used for a while and over a period of time the wind must have moved part of the flue.”

Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Bathurst and Kelso stations removed several sheets of iron from the property’s roof to extinguish the blaze.

Station officer Dover said it is vital that all heating equipment is checked for safety prior to it being used.

“You need to make all sure the elements are in good condition and give your heater a good clean out with a vacuum cleaner,” he said.

For those with a wood fire, a qualified chimney sweep can conduct a safety inspection and clean out the flue.

Firefighters have attended several property fires around Bathurst in the last few weeks and, with more cold weather predicted, the need to heat your home safely is crucial.

Owner of Complete Service Plumbing and Electrical, Costa Simeonidis said you need to make sure any gas or electrical heater is clean before you turn it on.

“Dust can collect inside and there can be a burning dust smell, but that should go way after a few days,” Mr Simeonidis said.

“If there is a noticeable smell of gas with your gas tap on but your appliance switched off, you need to call a plumber.”

He said is it vital that you do not plug electric heaters into a power board, double adaptor or use cheap extension cords.

“If you need to use an extension cord, you need to use a heavy duty one...heaters draw a lot of energy,” he said.

“If heater leads are getting excessively hot, if the plug or socket are blackened you need to call an electrician.”

Most importantly Mr Simeonidis said give your heat source room to breath and don’t put things too close to them.