New Malden blaze prompts warning from London Fire Brigade as energy bills rise

London Fire Brigade has issued an urgent safety warning following a recent fire in southwest London as rising energy bills hit UK homes.

Fire Investigators determined that the cause of a significant house fire in New Malden involved an open fire being used instead of gas central heating. With over 100 fires involving open fires, log burners and heaters in just the last few months alone, the Brigade fears that costly energy bills could result in a surge of fires as people resort to alternative means to heat their homes throughout the colder spells of the year.

The blaze, which started on Kingston Road at the end of April, is understood to have been caused by combustible items too close to an open fire. The fire was discovered by the resident who had been burning timber on an open fire in his living room to heat his home. He was taken to hospital and the property sustained significant damage.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “We know this is a difficult time and people are thinking about ways to reduce their energy bills, but we’re really concerned that they may be putting lives at risk by doing so.

“If you do have a log burner or an open fire, follow our advice carefully. Almost 30 per cent of fires involving log burners, heaters and traditional open fires are caused by items being placed too close to a heat source. Always use a fire guard and keep anything that could catch alight well away, such as logs and kindling which could be ignited by radiating heat. It’s also important to make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms in your home. You can't taste, see, or smell carbon monoxide fumes, but it can kill in minutes.

“Please also don’t take the risk by using treated wood on fires. Not only can they produce toxic fumes, but they are also more likely to spit embers when burnt, which could set alight to nearby objects.”

The Brigade is also encouraging people to familiarise themselves with their advice on using heaters safely and to consider the fire risks of using non-conventional ways to heat your home. Leaving the oven or a hob on could cause a fire or produce toxic carbon monoxide fumes.

Safety tips for log burners and open fires 

• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
• Always have your chimney swept by a specialist – at least once a year for coal, twice if burning logs. Chimney Sweeps should be certified by the National Association of Chimney Sweepsor HETAS.
• Make sure you use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers.
• Before you go to bed, make sure fires or hot embers are under control and guarded.
• Store logs away from solid fuel burners – radiated heat can cause them to burn.
• Keep clothing and fabric well away from open fires and log burners. 
• Watch out for children and pets – supervise them carefully and use fire guards. 
• Fit a carbon monoxide alarmin all rooms containing solid fuel gas, or paraffin heaters. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and learn what to do if you suspect there may be a leak. 

There is support available to help with energy bills – you can contact your local authority and Citizens Advice can also provide information on grants and benefits to assist in paying your energy bills. The Mayor of London’s Cost of Living Hub is also available to Londoners, providing information, financial support and advice to help manage household finances. SHINE London also has a dedicated helpline and affordable interventions available.

Londoners can also make sure their homes are safe by using the Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker, which can provide tailored fire safety advice.