‘Electric heaters may pose fire risks despite savings’

People are being alerted to the fire risks of unsafe use of electric heaters as they try to keep down costs during the winter.

The popularity of portable machines to heat a single room has increased as energy bills have soared.

But charity Electrical Safety First has highlighted the dangers of leaving the heaters unattended, on unstable surfaces, or when used to dry clothes.

Firefighters described shocking cases, some of which have led to deaths.

Although electric heaters were not inherently dangerous, the charity said, they could cause devastating fires if not used with care. Fan heaters posed a greater risk in the home, it said.

“Heating your home should never come at the expense of your own safety. While portable heaters can be useful to heat a small space, they can pose a real risk to your home and your life if mistakes are made when using them,” said Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First.

“With the significant number of people set to turn to these appliances this winter, it is vital we use them safely.”