Hornchurch Flat Fire Caused By Fan Heater Left Too Close To Combustible Items.

Firefighters have issued a reminder of their heating safety advice following a fire at a flat above shops on North Street in Hornchurch last Sunday afternoon.

Most of a three room flat on the second floor of the building was destroyed by fire. One man left before the Brigade arrived and was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service. Another man was treated on scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by an electric fan heater left too close to combustible items. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “The rise in energy costs means there’s a very real risk of heating-related fires. We know that people will turn to alternative ways to keep their families warm overnight without turning on the heating, we just want to make sure that people are staying safe at the same time.

“It’s 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 as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair, supervise children carefully and position a heater where it won’t be knocked over and away from pets.

“It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure these items are safety registered and in good working order. If you’re using these items around children always supervise them carefully and place heaters somewhere where they won’t be accidentally knocked over and away from anything that could catch fire.

“Firefighters recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home. The online tool will ask you a series of questions that will help us work out the level of risk in your home, or the home of someone you care for. It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice to keep yourself and loved ones safe from fire.”

The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took the first of 27 calls at 1444 and the incident was over by 1617. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were mobilised from Dagenham, Romford, Harold Hill and Walthamstow fire stations.

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