As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, there are fears that those trying to cut back on energy costs are exposing themselves to greater risks of fire.
Merseyside has been hit by a spate of tragic fires in recent weeks and the region's fire service is warning that the struggles people are facing right now are opening them up to danger.
During the last three months of 2021 in England alone, there were 99 fire-related fatalities, with 76 of these happening in homes. This compares to 54 in the same quarter the year before – a 41% rise.
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Accidental fires in the home caused by candles in 2021/22 totalled 940 across England – the highest recorded in more than 10 years. Around a third of these fires resulted in death or injury.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) says it is concerned these figures could rise as many people understandably look at ways to deal with rising costs. The service said fire prevention in the home is now more important than ever.
When it comes to heating the home, MFRS has specific advice to help people avoid danger and tragedy.
Using portable heaters
Always read the instructions and understand how to use appliances safely, checking they are in good working order.
- Check portable heaters are not subject to a safety notice or product recall at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-recalls-and-alerts [external link opens in new window]
- Don't place portable heaters where they will block your escape route or where they might be knocked over
- Don't sit too close to a heater. Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair
- Keep heaters away from flammable materials such as paper, curtains, furniture or bedding
- Plug electric heaters into a wall socket – not an extension lead
- Unplug heaters when you go out or go to bed
- Don't move a heater when it is turned on
- Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas, having checked that they are suitable for indoor use. Make sure a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in the same room
- Take care when drying clothes indoors – never dry clothes directly on or in close proximity to a heater or open fire
Using open fires and woodburning stoves
Open fires and woodburning stoves can be a cost effective way of heating the home. MFRS has the following advice to reduce the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) incident in your home.
- Always use a fire guard with an open fire to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
- Make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go to bed
- If you are re-opening an old fireplace you will need to consider building regulations. Get flues and chimneys checked and swept to prevent chimney fires and CO poisoning
- Use the correct fuel for your fire. Burning household waste or material such as treated wood can cause toxic fumes in the home and is a fire risk
- Store fuels for open fires and woodburning stoves away from the appliance so they don't catch fire
- Take care when drying clothes indoors – never dry clothes directly on or in close proximity to a heater or open fire
- Fit a CO alarm in all rooms with fuel burning appliances or ensure your landlord has provided CO alarms as required by regulation
Candles
With energy bills soaring, some people revert to the use of candles, but they aren't an efficient way of heating a room and can have a devastating impact if used incorrectly. Around 30% of fires started by candles and attended by fire and rescue services result in death or injury.
The safest way to enjoy candles is to use LED battery-operated ones instead, but please make sure the batteries cannot be accessed by children or pets. If you must use real candles, MFRS has the following advice:
- Always make sure candles are in a suitable holder and away from anything flammable
- Don't burn several candles close together – this might cause the flame to flare
- Don't use candles in bedrooms or anywhere where you might fall asleep
- Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night
- Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children.
- Keep candles away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books
- Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
- Do not light with matches – this avoids the risk of 'double wicking'
- Do not move candles once they are lit
- Avoid uing candles when tired or drinking
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping
- Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance
- Fit smoke alarms and test them now and monthly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999
- Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur – practice your escape route
Smoking
Smoking is the number one cause of accidental fire deaths in the UK. If you or somebody in your home smokes, you need to take extra care to ensure you stay safe.
- Never smoke in bed or in a chair where you might fall asleep – if you fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning you could cause a major fire
- Use a proper heavy ashtray that cannot be tipped over easily
- Don't empty your ashtray straight into a bin as the embers and ash could still be hot and cause a fire
- Keep matches and lighters away from children
- Smoke outdoors – this is safer than smoking indoors
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