The London Fire Brigade is reminding the public to check their portable heaters after a fire broke out in a flat on Heronsforde in West Ealing during the early hours of Sunday (4 December 2022).
Five fire engines with 35 firefighters from Ealing, Southall, Acton, Wembley and Park Royal fire stations attended the incident on the eighth floor of the building which was under control by 1:29am. There were no reported injuries. The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by resistive heating in an electrical heater.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We understand people may look to use portable heaters in replacement of turning on the heating this winter. If you’re getting an older heater out, check that it is in good condition. If it’s sparking, wires are loose, safety guards or other safety features are missing, or if it’s showing signs of damage, replace it with a new one or get it tested and repaired by a qualified electrician. Check that the heater isn’t on a recall list too and always buy them from a reputable seller. Fire Investigators have attended serious fires in recent years caused by non-compliant and counterfeit heaters that have been recalled due to safety concerns.”
They added: “It’s also absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, furniture, paperwork and are never used to dry clothes. Always sit at least a metre away from the heater, particularly those using them whilst working from home, as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair and position them where they won’t be knocked over and away from pets.”
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