An electric fan heater sparked a devastating house fire in New Malden, causing extensive damage and prompting a safety warning from the London Fire Brigade.
The blaze broke out in a mid-terraced home on Elm Road during the early hours of Tuesday morning. Flames rapidly spread through the property after the heater reportedly ignited.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded swiftly, deploying 25 firefighters across four engines to tackle the fire. The alarm was raised at 2:36 am, and crews battled the intense blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control.
A man trapped on the first floor was rescued using a smoke hood, which protects against toxic fumes. Paramedics treated him at the scene, though his current condition has not been disclosed.
The fire caused severe damage, gutting half of the ground floor. Images released by the LFB show the charred remains of the electric fan heater believed to have started the fire.
In response to the incident, the London Fire Brigade issued a safety warning amid rising energy bills, urging residents to exercise caution when using alternative heating devices. A spokesperson said, “The rise in energy costs means there’s a very real risk of heating-related fires. We know that people are turning to alternative ways to keep warm, but safety must come first.”
The LFB also shared key heater safety tips:
- Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture, and any flammable materials.
- Never use heaters to dry clothes.
- Place heaters in safe locations to avoid accidental knock-overs.
- Always follow manufacturer instructions and ensure heaters are in good working order.
Fire investigators are currently probing the exact cause of the fire, with early indications pointing to accidental ignition. The London Fire Brigade encourages residents to book a free Home Fire Safety Check online to identify hidden risks and stay safe.
For more information, visit www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety.
Originally published by UKNIP.
