Fire safety at home: advice and support.

Fire Risks at home

Fire risks can affect your safety, your friends and family and your home. Finding and reducing these risks helps prevent fires. 

Fire risks in the home include: 

  • unsafe heating methods, such as open fires or woodburning stoves 

  • leaving candles or incense burners unattended 

  • cooking hazards, such as oil overheating  

  • faulty or modified electrical equipment 

  • e-bikes and e-scooters: the London Fire Brigade responds to hundreds of fires every year caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries  

  • items blocking escape routes 

Are you at higher risk? 

Some residents are at higher risk from fires in their homes. This includes people who are vulnerable or have mobility issues and may need help escaping during a fire.  

Other groups of people who may be more at risk in a fire include: 

  • if you smoke: cigarettes, lighters and matches can start fires 

  • if you drink alcohol to excess or use recreational drugs: these can reduce awareness of danger or affect your mobility in an emergency 

  • if you hoard items at home: these can block escape routes and act as fuel for the fire 

Residents, carers, and professionals can all take steps to improve safety by identifying hazards and understanding who may need extra help in the event of a fire. 

Worried about your safety in the event of a fire? Contact us to arrange a person-centred fire risk assessment. Email us at buildingsafetyteam@newham.gov.uk.  

Find out more about fire risk assessments. 

London Fire Brigade advice 

  • The Home Fire Safety Checker is a free tool to help identify potential fire risks in your home and offers practical advice on how to reduce them. 

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