BROMLEY borough’s fire chief has warned of the dangers associated with spending the winter without a working smoke alarm.
Recent London-wide figures from the London Fire Brigade show fatal accidental fires increase in November, December and January.
November has been shown to be the worst month for accidental house fires, with 57 recorded deaths in the capital between 2000 and 2008.
The brigade’s Bromley borough commander Andy Holcombe said: “These statistics are shocking but tragedy can be avoided.
“Electrical heaters and the three Cs - cigarettes, candles and cookers - all pose a serious fire risk if not used carefully.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to put your cigarette out properly.
“Smoke alarms can and do save peoples’ lives, it’s as simple as that.”
Bromley borough has seen 11 people die in accidental house fires between 2000 and 2008.
Find more fire safety tips on the London Fire Brigade's website.
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