Fire Rips Through First Floor in London Home – Hairdryer Blamed!
A devastating blaze tore through most of the first floor of a London house last night. Two adults and five kids escaped before firefighters arrived, with one woman treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service.
Hairdryer Sparks Blaze
The fire was accidental, believed to have been caused by a hairdryer left plugged in. London Fire Brigade warned this accident could have been avoided.
“This is a good opportunity to remind people how important it is to ensure that hairdryers and straighteners are turned off at the plug as well as on the appliance,” said a Brigade spokesperson.
Safety First: Firefighters’ Top Tips
- Always switch off hairdryers, hair tongs, and straighteners at the plug, and let them cool on a heat-proof surface.
- Keep mirrors away from direct sunlight, along with aerosol cans like deodorant and hairspray, to prevent overheating.
- Place candles on non-flammable surfaces such as ceramic plates, never leave them unattended, and always blow them out when leaving the room.
The fire was reported at 6:23pm and extinguished by 7:25pm, with crews from Barking and East Ham fire stations tackling the flames.
Check Your Home for Hidden Fire Hazards
The London Fire Brigade also encourages everyone to try their free online Home Fire Safety Checker. It takes just minutes to get tailored advice to keep you and your family safe from fire.
