London Fire Brigade warns of fan fire risks as heatwave returns
London Fire Brigade is warning Londoners to take care when buying and using electric fans as another spell of hot weather approaches, after a series of fires involving faulty or unattended devices.
Fire investigators have attended several incidents in recent months in which fans have caused fires or injuries, including cases involving rechargeable hand fans and floor-standing models.
One London man suffered burns after a newly delivered hand fan caught fire while he was using it at home with his 12-year-old nephew. The device had been bought through a social media platform and was being used for the first time after being charged with the supplied cable.
The fan suddenly burst into flames, filling the room with smoke. The man took it outside before calling firefighters, who treated the burn to his hand. He has since urged other consumers to be cautious about buying electrical products through online marketplaces.
Another incident in Thamesmead involved a rechargeable hand fan purchased from a market stall. Its battery exploded while the device was charging, with the battery casing becoming lodged in the ceiling of the flat.
Other fires investigated by the Brigade involved floor-standing fans that had been left running for prolonged periods. In Erith, a fan damaged a room after being left on throughout the day, while an incident in Southwark caused damage to part of a second-floor flat after a fan had reportedly been running for several days. A fan left unattended on a bed in Plumstead also caused a fire that damaged part of a terraced house.
London Fire Brigade is advising residents to avoid second-hand fans and to buy electrical products from reputable retailers. Electric fans should have a UK three-pin plug fitted with a fuse, while devices should be positioned securely so they cannot easily fall over.
The Brigade also advises against leaving fans running unattended or using electric fans overnight.
The warning comes as London prepares for further hot weather, when demand for cooling appliances is likely to increase. It follows wider seasonal fire-safety concerns in the capital, including warnings about increased wildfire risks during periods of extreme heat.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has been notified about the product involved in the investigation.
Firefighters are also reminding households to check that working smoke alarms are installed throughout their homes, providing an early warning if a fire starts.
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