A devastating house fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning after an electric fan heater ignited inside a mid-terraced home on Elm Road, New Malden.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that 25 firefighters from four fire engines were deployed to battle the blaze. Fire crews worked for nearly an hour to extinguish the flames after receiving an emergency call at 2:36 am.
Resident Rescued Amid Heavy Smoke
A man was rescued from the first floor of the property using a smoke hood—a piece of equipment designed to protect against toxic fumes. He was treated at the scene by paramedics, though his condition has not been disclosed.
Significant Damage to Property
The fire severely damaged half of the home’s ground floor. Images shared by the LFB show the charred remains of the heater, which is believed to have been the source of the fire.
Fire Brigade Issues Heater Safety Warning
The LFB has now issued a warning about the dangers of heating appliances, urging Londoners to take extra precautions as energy costs push more people toward alternative heating methods.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade 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 advised:
- Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture, and flammable materials
- Never use heaters to dry clothes
- Position heaters safely to prevent them from being knocked over
- Always follow manufacturer guidelines and check heaters are in good working order
Investigation Underway
Fire investigators are working to confirm the exact cause of the fire, though early assessments suggest it was accidental.
The London Fire Brigade is urging residents to complete their free Home Fire Safety Check online to spot hidden fire hazards.
Anyone concerned about fire risks in their home can visit www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety for more information.
