Fire warning as energy-poor turn to burning wood as fuel

THE cost of living crisis has prompted fire chiefs to issue a safety warning after a man set his home ablaze while burning wood to keep warm.

The London Fire Brigade said that there have been more than 100 blazes involving open fires, log burners and heaters in the last few months alone. It fears the rise in energy bills could spark a surge of fires as people resort to alternative ways to heat homes.

Charlie Pugsley, deputy assistant commissioner for fire safety, warned: “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.”

A man burnt timber on an open fire in his living room to heat his home in south-west London, but it got out of control and caused significant damage.

The cause of the blaze has been determined as “involving an open fire being used instead of gas central heating” and combustible items too close to an open fire. Fire crews were called to New Malden,

at 8.30am on April 26 after flames spread. London Ambulance Service treated three people, with one man being rushed to hospital.

Mr Pugsley added: “Almost 30 per cent of fires involving log burners, heaters and traditional open fires are caused by items being placed too close.

“Always use a fireguard and keep anything that could catch alight well away, such as logs and kindling which could be ignited by radiating heat. Also, 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.

“Don’t use treated wood on fires. Not only can it produce toxic fumes, but it is more likely to spit embers when burnt, which could set nearby objects alight.”

Adam Scorer, chief executive of fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, called the fire a “harsh and dangerous reality of the cost-of-living crisis”.

The Government said: “We have set out a £22billion package of support, including rebates and energy bill reductions. Anyone struggling should contact their supplier as soon as possible to work out an affordable payment plan.”