Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a house fire on Baring Road in Lewisham.
Part of the ground floor of a detached house was damaged by fire. Two adults and a child left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The cause of the fire is believed to have involved a modified electric heater.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "As the weather turns colder, more people will be using electric heaters at home.
“It’s absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, furniture, paperwork and are never used to dry clothes.
"It's also important that you always sit at least a metre away from the heater, as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair, and position them where they won’t be knocked over. Make sure you turn them off and allow them to cool before you move them or put them away.”
Firefighters’ tips for using portable heaters safely
- Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
- Check that your heater isn't on a recall list – there have been many fires in the past year due to heaters that have been recalled.
- Never install, repair or service appliances yourself. Make sure anyone who does is a registered professional.
- Don't take risks with old heaters – if it's sparking, wires are loose or if it’s showing signs of damage, replace it with a new one or get it tested and repaired by a qualified electrician.
- 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.
- Before attempting to move your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first.
- Gas heater cylinders should be changed in the in the open air, if you have to change them indoors, make sure all rooms are ventilated and open the windows and doors.
- Never store cylinders in basements, under stairs or on balconies and get empty cylinders collected regularly.
The Brigade was called at 1437 and the fire was under control by 1530. Fire crews from Lee Green, Bromley, Lewisham and Eltham fire stations attended the scene.
