London Fire Brigade is warning people to take extra care if they use portable heaters, wood burners or open fires this autumn, amid fears that more Londoners will turn to alternative cheaper fuel methods as cost-of-living pressures deepen.
Last year (2021) there were a total of 256 heating related fires across London. Three people sadly died in a heating related fire and 35 people were injured. So far this year the Brigade has attended 148 of these types of fire, with most taking place during colder months.
In May, the Brigade issued an urgent safety warning following a fire in south west London caused by combustible items being 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.
Firefighters are reminding Londoners to make sure they keep heaters well away from bedding and furniture in order to keep warm safely. The reminder comes following an incident in April where a woman living in Edgware sadly died after an electric heater got caught under a recliner chair. Her daughter recalls it was a very cold night. She said: “My mother lived downstairs and spent all her time in the reclining chair as she was elderly and not able to move without assistance. Despite trying to move the electric heater away from the chair, my mother liked to have it by her legs to keep her warm through the night as it was her comfort.
“I’d say to others, be really aware of electrical equipment being too close by, especially if you fall asleep. Be aware of the dangers and the fact that things can go wrong. You don’t imagine things like this are going to happen to you. It’s still really raw for me and I’m so sad I lost my mother. She lived in the house for over 70 years and her whole family including her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren miss her terribly.”
London Fire Brigade's Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety Charlie Pugsley said: “Fire caused by heaters, open fires and electrical items can be very intense and spread very quickly. There is a risk that some people, in a bid not to pay more, may end up paying an even higher price – through a fire that causes them serious injury or even costs them their life.
“We understand that people are trying to save money and over the autumn and winter we will be working with London’s communities to help them understand how they can #stayfiresafe, reduce the risk of fire in their home, and also hopefully keep costs down.
“For example, we know that people may want to use portable heaters to heat just one room, or run their dishwashers and washing machines overnight to take advantage of cheaper electricity costs. These types of appliances do come with a potential fire risk so we would encourage people to use them safely, ensure they are safety registered, have working smoke alarms fitted throughout their home and know their exit plan in the event of a fire, particularly at night.”
It's really important to follow some simple rules to keep snug safely with a traditional fire:
The Brigade has advice on how to stay fire safe when trying to keep warm and heat the home. It also covers advice on fire safety and electrical items as well as how to charge electrical items safely, such as mobile phones and e-bikes and scooters. For more safety advice visit our website.
You can also follow the National Fire Chiefs Council #StayFireSafe campaign on social media.
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.