BRITS using portable heaters to cut energy bills this winter have been issued an urgent fire warning.
Alternative heating appliances such as wood burners, open fires and electrical heaters pose a risk to life, fire chiefs say.
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This is because they can easily spark a fire if they come into contact with household items, spreading rapidly.
Drying clothes or staying too close to these heaters also pose huge risks.
Fears have soared as millions of Brits are expected to seek other means to stay warm as energy bills rocket.
Fire experts worry Brits will use “anything that will burn” to stay warm and increase dangers by huddling around heaters.
Staffordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, said his force was even expecting some Brits to use camping stoves indoors.
Many electrical heating appliances are open-fronted, making it easy for household items to come into contact with red-hot metal heating elements.
And with a massive hike in the number using portable heaters and fires, the risk of blaze-related deaths has rocketed.
Mr Barber added: “We are expecting accidental house fires will increase this year as people make changes to their behaviour and the way they heat their homes.
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“You can reduce your energy bill without having to resort to unsafe practices.”
The London Fire Brigade are also urging homeowners to make sure heaters are kept well away from bedding and furniture.
And they must not be used for drying clothes.
MyLondon reported how last year there were 256 heating-related fires across London, killing three and injuring 35.
A further 148 heater-related blazes have been recorded so far this year in the capital.
Charlie Pugsley, LFB assistant commissioner said: “There is a risk that some people, in a bid not to pay more, may end up paying an even higher price.”
FIRE WARNING
How to keep yourself safe when using a portable heater:
- Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order
- Check that your heater is not on a recall list; many fires in the past year were sparked by heaters that have been recalled
- Never install, repair or service appliances yourself
- 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
- Supervise children and pets and use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers
Source: London Fire Brigade
