New figures released on Friday (January 22) show that fires caused by electrical heaters have resulted in 12 deaths and nearly 231 injuries over the past five years.

With London in the middle of an Arctic chill , firefighters are concerned that there could be an increased risk of dangerous heater blazes.

The data obtained by London Fire Brigade shows that over the past five years there have been 1,505 fires caused by electric heaters, nearly one a day.

Last year, a milder winter and a safety campaign, which highlighted the dangers of electrical heaters, led to a 12% reduction in the number of electric heater fires.

London Fire Brigade say their biggest concern over the winter are the risks associated with portable electric heaters.

A previous report on electrical fires showed that heaters are disproportionately likely to be the cause of fires that result in people dying. Despite heaters starting only 5% of the capital’s electrical fires, a third of fatal electrical fires involved heaters.

The brigade say that the highest number of electrical heater fires were recorded in the winter of 2010 to 2011, which saw the UK’s coldest December since 1910, with an average temperature of -1°C.

The Brigade’s Director of Operations Dave Brown said: “Portable electric heaters used properly will heat a room brilliantly but they should never be used to dry your smalls or socks.

“Shockingly over two thirds of fatal fires involving heaters are caused by clothing or furniture being too close.

“People need to make sure their portable heaters are standing upright and kept well away from clothes, curtains or furniture.”

The Electrical Safety Council the UK charity dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents has outlined some advice.

They say that most of the fires are easily preventable and are caused by heaters falling over and catching clothes or furniture alight:

  • Never sit too close to the heater as you could set light to your clothes or chair, especially if you fall asleep.
  • Heaters should stand where they can't be knocked over, away from beds, furniture and fabrics.
  • Do not put anything on the heater or use it to dry clothes.

London Fire Brigade recently warned that faulty electricals cause one fire a day in the capital .