Since 22 December, London Fire Brigade has attended a heating-related fire every day. In total, 36 incidents have occurred, resulting in six injuries. With temperatures dropping and energy costs still high, many households have turned to alternative heating methods, contributing to a surge in fires. In 2024, firefighters attended 236 heating-related fires.
In the last month, around 20 per cent of heating-related fires have involved fan heaters, while 17 per cent involved other types of heaters, such as gas or electric. Just this weekend, a fan heater placed too close to combustible materials caused a fire which destroyed a maisonette in Bayswater.
As part of Register My Appliance Week, the Brigade is urging the public to ensure their heaters are safe and not subject to recalls. It comes as data from the last month reveals 14 per cent of fires were caused by faulty equipment. Recently, the Officer for Product Safety and Standards recalled two types of heaters due to dangerous faults in the equipment.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said: “Rising energy costs mean that many families feel they have had no choice but to turn to alternative heating methods to keep warm, but we want to ensure that people don’t end up paying an even higher price – a fire that causes them serious injury or costs a life.
“If you’re buying a portable heater from an online marketplace, consider if a deal is too good to be true. Many second-hand appliances may seem like a cost-effective choice but could pose serious risks if they are faulty. Always check that the heater isn’t on a recall list and that it’s being sold by a reputable seller.
“We would recommend that you register your electrical appliances, as that means you’ll be notified if any faults are identified with it. Our Fire Investigators have seen the consequences of fires caused by non-compliant and counterfeit heaters that have been recalled due to safety concerns.
"It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure these items are in good working order. If you are using these items around children and pets, always supervise them carefully and place heaters somewhere where they won’t be accidentally knocked over and away from anything that could catch fire. Be careful that trailing leads don’t cause an additional hazard. Many portable heaters have shutoff features that prevent the appliance from overheating and that automatically switch off the heater if it is knocked over.
“If you’re considering using an older heater, check that it is in good condition. If it sparks, has loose or damaged wires, missing safety guards or other visible damage, it’s safer to replace it or have it tested and repaired by a qualified electrician.”
Firefighters’ tips for using portable heaters:
Heating-related fires include all incidents where heating equipment was involved.
In 2024, 22 per cent of heating-related fires involved heaters powered by gas, electricity and other sources, 16 per cent involved fan heaters and 15 per cent involved panel heaters. The remaining fires involved other forms of heat sources.
A quarter of heating-related fires were caused by combustible materials left too close to a heat source, while 21 per cent were caused by a faulty appliance. Unsafe use of equipment or appliances accounted for a further 11 per cent of heating-related fires.
Data from the last eight years shows that heating-related fires increase by 44 per cent between October-November and December-January. Between December and January, heating-related fires increase by 13 per cent
For further advice on how to stay fire safe when trying to keep warm and heat the home, please visit our website. You can also find information on electrical items and how to charge them safely.
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.
