Cost- cutting heaters can bring high price in danger: fire brigade (October 2022)

As the cost of living becomes more expensive and winter approaches, many might be considering using a portable heater to keep warm. The London Fire Brigade urges you not to. After last year's 256 fire related incidents caused by portable heaters the Fire Brigade issued a warning to be extra careful while using them. 

In 2021, according to the London Fire Brigade, 3 people died and 35 people were injured due to heating causes. They say that this year the Fire Brigade has seen 148 incidents of this type of fire. They urge you all to be particularly careful this winter to be careful when using the portable heater to keep warm for low prices. 

They give the example of a heart-breaking tragedy where a woman died in a fire by this cause because she liked to sleep in her recliner with the portable heater on. Her daughter gives a warning for anyone else who likes to do the same. “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.” 

The advice that the London Fire Brigade are giving is to make sure portable heaters are away from beds and flammable furniture. They also advise you to make sure the portable heater is well maintained and smoke alarms are working and if you want to move your heater, allow it to cool down first. Stay safe this winter.