Firefighters worried that high energy bills could lead to more fires
More than 100 fires involving open fires, log burners and heaters in London over the last few months
Last updated 9th May 2022
There are concerns that the huge rise in energy bills could lead to a surge of fires, due to people resorting to alternative ways to heat their homes throughout the year’s colder spells.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) say there have been more than 100 fires involving open fires, log burners and heaters in the last few months alone.
They have said one fire broke out in a property in south-west London on Monday after a man burnt timber on an open fire in his living room to heat his home.
The house experienced "significant damage" despite the LFB getting the fire in New Malden under control.
London Ambulance Service said it treated three people at the scene, one man was taken to hospital as a priority.
“The smoke was so thick, it was unbelievable”
A witness said they saw the man trying to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher while a policeman, who happened to be passing, began knocking on the windows of the property next door to make sure the residents got out.
One neighbour said, "You could not see anything as the smoke was so thick, it was just unbelievable."
A next-door neighbour has temporarily moved out of her house due to minor smoke and water damage to their property, the neighbour said.
“We’re concerned they may be putting lives at risk”
Deputy assistant commissioner for fire safety Charlie Pugsley said: "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.
"If you do have a log burner or an open fire, follow our advice carefully, almost 30% of fires involving log burners, heaters and traditional open fires are caused by items being placed too close to a heat source.
“Always use a fire guard and keep anything that could catch alight well away, such as logs and kindling which could be ignited by radiating heat.
"It's also important to 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.
"Please don't take the risk by using treated wood on fires. Not only can they produce toxic fumes, but they are also more likely to spit embers when burnt, which could set alight to nearby objects."
“One in four UK households are now in fuel poverty”
Adam Scorer, chief executive of fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), described the incident as a "harsh and dangerous reality of the cost-of-living crisis".
"One in four UK households are now in fuel poverty, which means millions are facing impossible choices because of their high energy bills," he said.
"Some are choosing between heating and eating, others are self-disconnecting completely and some are even starting open fires.
"These aren't coping strategies. It's people who feel they have no safe choice to make. Sadly, it will only become more common as the impact of the price rises and the reality of next winter hits home.”
“The Government has to get its priorities right”
Mr Scorer adds, "The Government has to get its priorities right. Government has to get money in the pockets and off the energy bills of those on lowest incomes."
Last year, the Government brought in new laws surrounding fire safety with an aim to make homes and buildings safer following the fatal Grenfell Tower blaze in 2017.
A Government spokesperson said, “We recognise the pressures people are facing with the cost of living, which is why we have set out a £22 billion package of support, including rebates and energy bill reductions.
"Anyone struggling to pay their energy bills should contact their supplier as soon as possible to work out an affordable payment plan, which suppliers are legally obliged to agree to."
The cost of living crisis
Interest rates and inflation go up
Inflation rose by 8.8% in the 12 months to January 2023, down from 9.2% in December 2022. With interest rates also rising to 4%, those saving money will earn more interest on their finances, whilst those paying mortgages would pay more interest to the bank.
Energy bills
The price of energy went up incredibly as the cost of living crisis hit, with the gas price spike caused largely by the war in Ukraine. The price cap - which is set by an independent regulator to help offset costs onto customers - was set to rise to £3,549 for an average home in October but a price freeze from the government restricted the typical bill to £2,500. That's still an increase of 27% from the previous energy cap and as it's a cap on unit cost, the more energy you use the higher your bill will be.
Food prices
The cost of a weekly shop also has gone up as a result of the cost of living crisis. As a result of the war in Ukraine, a number of products including cooking oils and wheat have been disrupted. This means that several products are now considerably more expensive, driving bills up for customers.
Prices at the pumps
The average cost of petrol has also rose to unprecedented levels. Supply lines for petrol have been thrown into doubt as a result of the war in Ukraine, as Russia is a large export partner for gas, oil and fuel. In April 2022, the average price for a litre of petrol on the forecourt was 160.2p, whilst a litre of diesel would cost 170.5p. By late June 2022 the price had risen to an average of 190.9p for a litre of unleaded and 198.9p for a litre of diesel. In March 2023 the price wass on average of 147.03 in petrol and 167.04 in diesel.
Average cost of filling up a car with petrol hits £100
On 9th June 2022, the average cost of filling up a car with petrol hit £100 for the first time ever. Diesel had already hit that milestone. It comes as the cost of fuel hit a record high of one pound eighty a litre. The 2p rise was the biggest daily jump in 17 years. Prices have dropped by at least 20p per litre since the high point.