Firefighters have issued a reminder about using heaters safely following a fire at a maisonette on Salisbury Walk in Islington.
A maisonette on the ground and first floor of a five-storey block was damaged by the fire. One man left the property before the Brigade arrived. He was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by materials coming into contact with an energised halogen heater.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Fires involving heaters like this are all too common. They usually start when items, like clothes or bedding, are placed too close to the heater and ignite.
“It’s absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, bedding or furniture and are never used to dry clothes.
“It's also important to 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."
The Brigade was called at 1025 and the fire was under control by 1119. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Kentish Town and Holloway fire stations were at the scene.
• Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order.
• Check that your heater isn't on a recall list.
• 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.