Fire Safety
Due to the increased cost of living, you may have had to change the way you heat your home. Open fires and woodburning stoves can be a cost-effective way of
heating your home, however it is paramount you follow safety guidance:
- 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.
- 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.
When using portable heaters, always read the instructions and understand how to use appliances safely, checking they’re in good working order.
Ensure you protect your home with smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. You are around nine times more likely to die in a fire in the home if you do not have any working smoke alarms. A fire can destroy sentimental and material possessions and have a devastating impact on people.
For more safety advice on keeping yourself and loved one’s safe check out the advice on the London Fire Brigade website at www.london- fire.gov.uk/safety/.
For general enquiries and non-emergency assistance, you can contact the LFB switchboard on 020 8555 1200. You can book a free home safety visit with the London Fire Brigade online at:
www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/book-a-home-fire-safety-visit/.
#ChargeSafe
On average there was a fire from a lithium battery in an e-bike or e-scooter every two days in 2023 in London.
Whilst e-bikes and e-scooters offer a great way round the city, if the batteries become damaged or begin to fail they can start incredibly ferocious fires within seconds.
The majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooter have happened in homes. These fires are often caused when charging batteries.
When these batteries are charged in communal areas or escape routes, a fire breaking out can quickly block people’s ability to escape.
Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes.
London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign wants to prevent fires in e-bikes and e-scooters. This page has important and simple safety tips to reduce the risk of fire to protect you and your community.
Charging e-bike or e-scooter
There are several ways you can reduce the risks when charging lithium batteries:
Only ever use the correct charger for your battery, otherwise you can greatly increase the risk of fire.
Always buy any replacement chargers from a reputable seller.
Using the wrong charger could mean that too much power is put into the battery, leading to failure and a dangerous fire.
Always avoid general ‘multi-plug’ chargers that fit different models unless specifically approved by the battery manufacturer, as they may not provide the right power for your battery and may greatly increase the risk of fire.
