Firefighters Issue Urgent Warning Over Portable Heaters After Wembley Blaze
Firefighters are urging the public to be extra cautious with portable heaters this autumn, following a fire on Harrow Road, Wembley. The blaze damaged a ground floor bedroom in an end-of-terraced house yesterday.
A man escaped the house before crews arrived but was rushed to hospital by London Ambulance Service.
Heater Left Too Close to Textiles Sparked Fire
The fire is believed to have started accidentally after textiles were placed too close to a halogen heater.
“Fire caused by heaters, open fires and electrical items can be very intense and spread rapidly,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson.
“Some people, trying to save money, risk paying a far higher price – serious injury or even death. Over autumn and winter, we’ll be working to help Londoners #stayfiresafe, reduce home fire risks, and hopefully keep heating costs down.”
Fire Brigade’s Top Tips for Safe Heater Use
- Keep heaters well maintained and in good working order.
- Check if your heater is on a recall list—many fires have been linked to recalled heaters.
- Never install, repair, or service heaters by yourself.
- Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains, and furniture; never use them to dry clothes.
- Always sit at least one metre away to avoid igniting clothes or chairs.
- Turn off and let the heater cool before moving it.
Swift Response Brings Blaze Under Control
The Brigade was alerted at 8:31pm, and the fire was under control by 9:38pm. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Wembley, Park Royal, Willesden and Southall stations tackled the blaze.
Be safe this heating season—don’t let a careless mistake turn deadly.
