London Fire Brigade says people are looking at alternatives to central heating as energy prices rise.
The resident had been burning timber and said he was using an open fire to save money due to high energy bills.Latest figures from the LFB show firefighters are called out to an average of 93 fires a week in London homes.LFB 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.
"Almost 30% of fires involving log burners, heaters and traditional open fires are caused by items being placed too close to a heat source."The deputy assistant commissioner also had advice for those choosing to heat their homes using open fires. "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," he added.
"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 burned, which could set alight to nearby objects."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
London fire chiefs warn against fires in homes to save on heating billsWarning issued over improvised open fires after house set ablaze by man burning timber to keep warm
Read more »
London fire chiefs warn against fires in homes to save on heating billsWarning issued over improvised open fires after house set ablaze by man burning timber to keep warm
Read more »
Europe’s first psychedelic drug trial firm to open in LondonStartup Clerkenwell Health hopes to help make UK a world leader in psychedelics research
Read more »
Corbyn says Labour lost London council seats because his whip was removed'Whilst Labour did gain control of three London boroughs, we also lost control of three London boroughs. And across the whole country we did not gain a net total of very many more seats at all', Mr Corbyn said.
Read more »
Analysis: What went wrong for the Conservatives in London?London was run by a Tory mayor just six years ago but councillor numbers have now hit a record low.
Read more »