Brigade warning to famillies over fire dangers

21 November 2009

LONDON Fire Brigade is warning residents to be vigilant as new figures show the number of people dying in accidental house fires increases in winter.

Between 2000 and 2008 in Newham 15 people have died in home blazes and the statistics show that more people are killed in January than at any other time of the year.

As the temperature drops and people spend more time at home using heaters, candles and cooking hot food, the number of serious fires rises.

Over half of the people who die in house fires do not have working smoke alarm and the elderly are more likely to get trapped in a blaze.

John Talbot, the Brigade's borough commander for Newham, said: "Electrical heaters and the three 'Cs' - cigarettes, candles and cookers all pose a serious fire risk if not used carefully.

"It's also absolutely essential to have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them regularly", he added.

"And if you've taken the battery out, go and replace it. It could be the best decision you've ever made."

Full story in this week's Recorder