Flat fire - Stratford

Firefighters have issued a heater safety warning after a flat fire on Arthingworth Street in Stratford.

Half of the first floor of a five roomed maisonette in a four-storey residential building was damaged by the fire. Three people left the property before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of injuries.

The fire is being treated as accidental and involved an electric fan heater. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Electric fan heaters should always be used in an uncluttered space where heat and air flow is unrestricted.

“It’s also absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, furniture, paperwork and are never used to dry clothes. Always sit at least a metre away from the heater, particularly those using them whilst working from home, as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair and position them where they won’t be knocked over and away from pets.”

The Brigade was called at 0508 and the fire was under control by 0619. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Stratford, Plaistow, Leytonstone and Poplar fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters’ tips for using portable heaters: 

• 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 connected to heaters that have been recalled.  
• Never install, repair or service appliances yourself.  
• 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.