A third of people who died in accidental fires in London last year were receiving care – and Bromley saw 20 incidents affecting its vulnerable residents.

New data released by London Fire Brigade (LFB) shows of 31 fire-related deaths in the capital, 10 of those were either in specialist accommodation or had home visits.

News Shopper has found the borough’s care homes were hit by 20 fires, making up a total of 524 throughout the capital – amounting to 10 a week.

As LFB sees its first social care summit today (May 21) it is warning that with an ageing population statistics are unlikely to improve unless action is taken.

Event host deputy commissioner Rita Dexter said care professionals and fire services have got to “work together” and recommended a number of preventive measures to tackle the issues.

She added: “Care staff do a fantastic job of supporting people within our communities and we want to work with them to identify and potentially save those most vulnerable from dying in a tragic fire.

"We also want to see all residential care homes fitted with sprinklers. The number of care home fires that firefighters attend is clear evidence that builders, developers, local authorities and private providers need to stop ignoring their benefits.”

The Office for National Statistics reports there are over three million people over 80 in the UK, which is expected to double by 2030. It is thought mobility problems and dementia can be factors in fatal fires.

Now LFB is asking care staff to get in touch with their local fire and rescue services to help stop vulnerable people from being in danger.