Last updated: 12/06/2019, 3:50 PM

Brigade reveals two thirds of fatal fires in the home involve people receiving care

11/06/2019 09:34
London-wide
Safety warnings

In Carers Week London Fire Brigade is urging carers to book a free Home Fire Safety Visit for those they care for. New figures reveal that nearly two thirds of all accidental fire related deaths in the home last year involved people who receive care.

Brigade figures show 19 people receiving care sadly died in preventable fires in their home in 2018.

 

Older person's hands holding a walking stick

Smoking remained the top cause of fatal fires involving people in receipt of care last year, alongside the unsafe use of portable heating. Simple measures, such as using fire retardant bedding and ensuring portable heaters are used safely and kept away from flammable materials, can help to reduce the risk of these type of fires.

 

Carers' online fire risk checklist

Use our checklist to assess and record if the people you care for need more fire safety considerations.

Dan Daly, Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, said: "In London, far too many people who receive care are experiencing fires in their homes and unfortunately 63 per cent of accidental fire deaths in the home last year involved people in receipt of care. Even more tragic is that some of these fires could have been avoided.

“New for Carers Week is our online checklist that carers can access to help them assess risks around the home. London Fire Brigade offers free Home Fire Safety Visits to all  Londoners, especially those who receive both formal and informal care in their own home. During these visits our officers can  give expert advice and guidance to people who look after them.

“We’re urging all carers to take advantage of these completely free tools that help to keep our most vulnerable residents safe.”