Heater warning after flat fire in Harrow

Firefighters are urging Londoners to never leave electric heaters unattended after one placed too close to clothing caused a fire at a flat on Stanley Road, South Harrow.

The residents of the flat returned home and heard their smoke alarm sounding. When they opened the front door, they discovered smoke, left the building and immediately called 999.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believed the fire was caused after clothing, which was placed too close to a halogen heater, caught alight.

A small part of a third floor flat was damage by fire.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “If you use an electric heater this winter, never leave it unattended. It’s really important to ensure they are placed well away from clothes, duvets and other items that can catch fire if they get too close.“

Top tips for using heaters safely:

• Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
• Don't take risks with old heaters – if it's electrical and getting older, get it tested by a qualified electrician or buy a new one.
• Where appropriate, secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters.
  Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
• Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair.

The Brigade was called at 1556 and the fire was under control at 1711. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Northolt, Harrow and Wembley fire stations attended the scene.