home fire safety visit london

Starting on the 10th of June, our opening hours will change. Customer Services will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

During these hours, you can reach us for all your generic inquiries, housing repairs, and revenues and benefits questions.

Emergency repairs can still be reported 24 hours a day. Non-urgent repairs can be reported using our Online Reporting Form .

Title Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up now to get latest news, events, jobs and ticket giveaways from Barking and Dagenham Council

Sign up to our One Borough newsletter

Fire safety advice

Guide navigation, home fire safety visits.

London Fire Brigade offers free home fire safety visits for people and places where there is a heightened risk of fire, such as older people or those living with mental or physical impairments.

Book a home fire safety visit

Free home fire safety visit (London Fire Brigade)

Home Fire Safety Visits by London Borough

The London Fire Brigade carries out home fire safety visits (HFSVs) across London. For more details see the LFB website here . During the HFSV fire safety advice will be provided to the owner/occupier, and smoke alarms will be installed. The visits are free, and the LFB website explains how to request a visit.

This data set shows the number of HFSVs carried out in each London borough. Most visits are carried out by fire station crews, and the data shows which fire stations carried out the visit. A few visits were carried out by our partners, and some by other LFB staff (identified in the data by van or 'practitioner' numbers).

Data is by financial year and quarters starting in April 2009 (i.e. Quarter 1 2009/10) and is updated quarterly.

The London Fire Commissioner is the fire and rescue authority for London and runs the London Fire Brigade.

Request Access to Home Fire Safety Visits by London Borough

You must be logged in to request access to this dataset.

Update Frequency

Smallest geography.

More Like This...

Help improve this site by giving your feedback

Fire safety in your home

Use this guide to help you find advice and information on fire safety in your home.

Book a home fire safety visit

The London Fire Brigade offers a free home visit to give advice on how to make your home safe and, where appropriate, fit a smoke alarm for free.

To find out more about the fire safety visits and book them, visit the  London Fire Brigade website .

• Accessibility

Fire safety advice

Most fires start within the home and are preventable. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) website provides information about fire safety at home.

• LFB website - Fire safety at home

The LFB can also visit your home to offer free fire safety advice and help you plan a fire escape route. 

• LFB website - Book a home fire safety visit

• … … title="Skip to the main content">Skip to content
• Skip to navigation

• Information on the BSAB – work of the Board
• Message from the Chair
• Core partners and BSAB members
• BSAB Vision
• BSAB Mission
• Annual Report
• Safeguarding Adult Reviews
• Safeguarding definition
• Who it affects
• Vulnerable adults in specialist care & residential homes
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• Types of abuse
• How we can help
• Helpful services
• Trading standards
• How we can help people with learning difficulties
• Safeguarding adults awareness material
• Easy Read materials
• Tackling loneliness
• Tackling homelessness
• How you can help
• Information for professionals
• Making safeguarding personal
• Self-Neglect and Hoarding Panel
• Practitioners library
• BSAB training
• Training & Learning Events
• Learning from complex safeguarding cases awareness week - July 2023
• Members' area
• The National Trading Standards Scams Team: Call Blocking Project
• BSAB Self-Neglect Help & Support Video

London Fire Brigade: Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) Referral Details

• Update on Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) - April 2023
• Community advice supporting the cost of living increases
• Print Issue

London Fire Brigade (LFB) have changed its approach to Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) based on a Cause of Concern from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue Service's. The new approach prioritises the most vulnerable Londoners and allocates the majority of safety advice resources to them. The way HFSVs are carried out will remain the same, but very high risk people will now receive a quicker response time within approx. 4 hours, 24/7. For more information, click the document below or alternatively, click here . 

The London Fire Brigade's new approach for fire safety is based on four new risk categories informed by historic data. Low-risk individuals will no longer receive home fire safety visits or free smoke alarms, but will be encouraged to use an online Home Fire Safety Checker for tailored advice.

LFB aims to reduce the number of Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) carried out by firefighters and prioritise their time towards those most at risk from fire. A new prioritisation system, based on risk categories, will be implemented for individuals identified as being more at risk and in need of a HFSV. The new categories and approach are detailed as follows:

• Very high risk – For people in this category, LFB is aiming to undertake a HFSV within four hours of them having been assessed. This will apply 24/7 so even if contact is made overnight, firefighters will be able to undertake a HFSV and seek to reduce that person’s risk. 
• High risk – LFB is targeting providing a HFSV to people in this category within seven days of them being assessed.
• Medium risk – LFB is targeting providing a HFSV to people in this category within one month. 
• Low risk – Directed to the online Home Fire Safety Checker (telephone visits will also be offered in future once the process has been finalised).

To meet this new service, LFB would categorise an individual as being very high risk if they have all of these six characteristics.

• Living alone
• Over 60 years old
• In receipt of care (informal, formal or both)
• No working smoke alarms in their home
• User of mobility aids, or chair/bed bound

A very high risk individual can also be identified if they are at risk or are a victim of arson.

If anyone you know may fall into the very high risk category, then it's encourage that you to refer them for a HFSV as soon as possible by calling 0800 028 4428.

• Back to top
• Share by email
• Previous page

Have your say...

• View Sitemap
• Privacy & Cookies
• Website Terms & Conditions

Website by: Taylorfitch

We use cookies to store information on your computer to improve your experience of our website. One of the cookies is essential for the operation of the website and has already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this website but parts of it may not work. You can find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, in our Privacy Statement. .

I accept cookies from this website.

Fire safety advice

Cookies on camden.gov.uk.

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies so we can understand how you use the website and make improvements.

You've accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You've rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

beta This is the improved Camden website. Tell us what you think .

• Fire and building safety

Fire safety at home

Fire safety for waste and vehicles, guidance for e-bike or e-scooter owners or buyers.

In the event of a fire in your home, an escape plan can save your life.  

The safest fire procedure for your home depends on what kind of building you live in. It is vital you know the fire evacuation plan for your building and where the exits are.  

The London Fire Brigade has advice on what to do if you live in a: 

• purpose-built flat, bedsit, or maisonette
• bungalow, house, or converted flat   

If you are a council tenant or leaseholder, contact your on-site caretaker or housing officer for more information about your evacuation plan. If you are a private tenant in Camden, contact your landlord.

London Fire Brigade Saturday Surgeries

Every Saturday morning from 10am, firefighters will be on hand to give fire safety advice to residents. 

You can attend a Saturday Surgery at any of the 3 fire stations in the borough. Fire stations are located in Kentish Town, West Hampstead and Euston. 

During the event, you can ask firefighters for advice on fire safety topics, such as how to charge a personal electric vehicle safely and what to do in the event of a fire.

Firefighters will also be able to point residents in the right direction about where to find more information on our services and how the LFB is supporting the local community.

Fire safety video: how to keep safe in your home

London Fire Brigade Borough Commander David George shares some important information on fire safety precautions in your home. 

Remove fire hazards

If you store personal belongings in shared areas, they could prevent people from getting out safely during a fire. 

If you have large items you need to get rid of, find out how to book a  bulky waste collection . You can also call 020 7974 4444.

Communal areas in council owned properties

We want you to be able to enjoy your home and personalise your space, however there are rules about what you can keep in the shared areas of your building. Find out more about what you can keep in shared areas and read the full policy on managing fire safety in communal areas . 

Smoke alarms and safety checks 

All homes must have a working smoke alarm. You are 4 times less likely to die from a fire in a home where a smoke alarm is fitted.

Smoke alarms have 10-year batteries and are designed to be easy to use with a ‘hush’ button for false alarms. If your alarm stops working, the London Fire Brigade will replace it for free.

All Camden residents can request a  free home fire safety visit from the London Fire Brigade . 

During your visit, they will: 

• fit free and additional smoke alarms, if you need them 
• replace any broken equipment 
• give advice on preventing fires 
• assess your home for fire risks 

Visits are targeted in areas and situations where there is a higher risk of fire. This includes homes of older or disabled people.

There are also alarms designed specifically for people with hearing or visual impairments, such as an alarm that activates a strobe light or vibrating pad for the hearing impaired. These are also installed free of charge.  

Advice to keep you safe

To help prevent fires from happening, you should: 

• avoid leaving your hob or grill unattended while in use 
• take care when cooking with hot oil and think about using automatic deep fat fryers 
• never leave lit candles unattended 
• make sure cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of carefully 
• never smoke in bed 
• do not overload sockets and follow  advice on electric devices that can cause fires
• keep matches and lighters away from children
• never use a barbecue indoors or on a balcony 
• keep clothing away from heating appliances 
• take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking 

The London Fire Brigade website has  more fire safety advice . 

Electric bikes, scooters and wheelchairs 

Fires caused by lithium batteries are increasing. Storing and charging electric bikes, scooters and wheelchairs safely can mean the difference between life and death. 

Never block exits and doorways with your e-bike, scooter or wheelchair. This could prevent you from leaving your home quickly in an emergency.  

It is vital that you keep your vehicle near an existing smoke alarm, or fit a new one in the area where you keep it. You can get a free alarm from the London Fire Brigade. 

How to use lithium batteries safely 

• only buy batteries from a trusted seller to make sure they meet safety standards 
• follow the manufacturers’ instructions to charge the battery and unplug the charger when you’ve finished using it 
• charge batteries on hard flat surfaces so that they don’t overheat 
• never leave a battery charging when you’re asleep or away from home 
• check batteries regularly to make sure they are in good condition – they can be dangerous if they have been damaged 
• keep batteries out of sunlight and put them somewhere cool, especially on hot days 
• leave the battery to cool down after you have used your vehicle before charging again 

The London Fire Brigade has more information about lithium batteries and how to keep yourself safe . 

Gas cooker recall 

Beko is seeking some older models of Beko, Flavel and Leisure gas cookers that can pose a serious risk to your health.

The affected models were manufactured before 2009 and could produce fatal levels of carbon monoxide if using the grill with the door closed.

You can  check if your cooker is affected .

Refuse skips and wheelie bins

• place skips at least 10 metres from buildings
• ensure that rubbish is placed in the skip and not left on the ground nearby
• waste packing and pallets should be removed as soon as possible
• full skips should be removed as soon as possible
• do not leave full skips over weekends or holiday periods
• do not block fire exits
• ensure skips are placed in a designated area
• do not store combustible waste within two metres of any perimeter fences

Fires in wheelie bins can spread to surrounding property

• do not overfill wheelie bins or place loose rubbish around them
• wheelie bins should only be put out when a collection is due

Vehicle fires

Secure and safely parked vehicles are the best way to prevent fires because:

• 65% of car fires are started deliberately to cover criminal activity, make a fraudulent insurance claim or as an act of vandalism
• one in 12 vehicles reported stolen will be set on fire

If you spot an abandoned vehicle, you should  report it to the police . Most Metropolitan areas operate a vehicle removal scheme. 

Safety checks for vehicles

Many other vehicle fires break out simply due to lack of basic maintenance and can be prevented.

Some of the main causes of vehicle fires are:

• electrical: check wiring for signs of wear or damage
• petrol: routinely check all fuel lines for signs of wear
• welding: never use heat, naked flames or welding equipment near the fuel tank or fuel line

Battery safety guidance

The Government have shared guidance on battery safety for both  e-scooters  and  e-bikes  to raise awareness for owners on how to safely purchase an e-cycle or e-scooter, ensure it meets manufacturing requirements and is only bought from reputable sellers.

The guidance, published on 1 Feb 2024, also covers safe storage and charging, the warning signs for fire risk and how to address them, and how to dispose of batteries responsibly. The guidance also reminds people that e-scooters cannot be used legally on roads unless they are part of an official rental trial.

Safety guidance for e-bike or e-scooter owners or buyers

The Office for Product Safety and Standards have shared guidance highlighting the steps people should take when owning or thinking of buying an e-bike or scooter . The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the UK’s national product regulator, recommends you follow these five steps when purchasing, using or charging your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce fire risks:

Step 1 - Research 

Only buy an e-bike, e-scooter, charger or battery from a known seller and check any product reviews.

Step 2 - Read 

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using e-bikes or e-scooters.

Step 3 - Check 

Not all e-bike or e-scooter batteries and chargers are compatible or safe when used together. Check and only use the manufacturer’s recommended battery or charger.

Step 4 - Charge

Always charge in a safe place without blocking exits and always unplug your charger when you have finished charging.

Step 5: Never

Attempt to modify or tamper with your battery.

The guidance, published 6 December 2023, follows several fire incidents, some of them fatal, involving lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, including in conversion kits.

Keeping safe at home

Last updated: 25 August 2023

Next review: 25 August 2024

In case of a fire emergency, phone the fire brigade on 999.

Preventing fires at home

It is important to make sure your home is as safe as possible and prevent fires.

You can find lots of advice on the  GOV.UK  website.

Get a free safety check

You can ask the London Fire Brigade for a free fire safety check for your home. They can visit people and places where they know there is a greater risk of fire.

The fire fighters will give you advice about making your home safer and will fit a free smoke alarm if you need one.

The London Fire Brigade provides advice on all aspects of fire safety You can also   book an appointment for a free safety check  with them.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Register to vote Register by 18 June to vote in the General Election on 4 July.

• Emergency preparation, response and recovery
• Fire prevention and rescue
• Make your home safe from fire
• Home Office

Fire safety in the home (accessible version)

Updated 25 May 2022

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2022

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/make-your-home-safe-from-fire/fire-safety-in-the-home-accessible-version

Did you know…?

You’re around 8 times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm in your home.

Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.

Two fires a day are started by candles.

Every six days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette.

About three fires a day are started by heaters.

Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 4,000 fires in the home across the country every year.

Protect your home with smoke alarms

The easiest way to protect your home and family from fire is with working smoke alarms. Get them. Install them. Test them. They could save your life.

Choosing your smoke alarms

Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home.

Please be aware that some children may not be woken by smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to install.

They are available from DIY stores, electrical shops and most high street supermarkets.

Ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms are the best option. They are slightly more expensive, but you save on the cost of replacing batteries.

There are a variety of different models to choose from. Your local fire and rescue service will be happy to give you advice on which one is best suited for you.

Look out for the British Standard Kitemark and Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) symbols, which shows the alarm is approved and safe.

How to make sure your smoke alarms work

Test your smoke alarms at least monthly.

If any of your smoke alarms have a one year battery, make sure it is changed every year. Only take the battery out when you need to replace it.

Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your alarm if it goes off by mistake.

Standard battery operated alarms are the cheapest option, but the batteries need to be replaced every year.

A lot of people forget to test the batteries, so longer life batteries are better.

Mains-powered alarms are powered by your home power supply and have a back-up battery in case of a power cut. They need to be installed by a qualified electrician and, like battery alarms, they do require testing.

Testing smoke alarms tests the smoke sensor as well as the power supply and/or battery.

You can even have linked alarms installed, so that when one alarm detects a fire they all go off together. This is useful if you live in a large house or over several levels.

Strobe light and vibrating pad alarms are available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact the Action on Hearing Loss Information Line on 0808 808 0123 or textphone 0808 808 9000.

Fitting your smoke alarms

The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, and on the hallway and landing, so you can hear an alarm throughout your home.

Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.

If it is difficult for you to fit smoke alarms yourself contact your local fire and rescue service for help. They’ll be happy to install them for you.

Looking after your smoke alarms

Make testing your smoke alarms part of your regular household routine.

Test them by pressing the button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t sound, you need to replace the battery.

Vacuum your smoke alarms every six months to remove dust.

If a smoke alarm starts to beep on a regular basis, you need to replace the battery immediately.

If it is a ten year alarm, you will need to replace the whole alarm every ten years.

Other equipment you could consider

Fire blankets are used to put out a fire or wrap a person whose clothes are on fire. They are best kept in the kitchen.

Fire extinguishers can be useful if the fire is very small or blocking your exit. If you choose to use an extinguisher, always read the instructions before use and don’t put yourself in danger.

Heat alarms can detect fires in kitchens where smoke alarms should not be placed.

How to prevent common fires

In the kitchen, cook safely.

Take extra care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.

Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.

Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and sauce pan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.

Make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out – so they don’t get knocked off the stove.

Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – they can easily catch fire.

Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.

Spark devices are safer than matches or lighters to light gas cookers, because they don’t have a naked flame.

Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking

Take care with electrics

Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water.

Don’t put anything metal in the microwave.

Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.

Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.

Deep fat frying

Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily.

Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash.

If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.

Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can’t overheat.

What to do if a pan catches fire

Don’t take any risks. Turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so. Never throw water over it.

Don’t tackle the fire yourself.

How to avoid electrical fires

Always check that you use the right fuse to prevent overheating.

Make sure an electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark when you buy it.

Certain appliances, such as washing machines, should have a single plug to themselves, as they are high powered.

Try and keep to one plug per socket.

When charging electrical goods, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and look for the CE mark that indicates chargers comply with European safety standards.

An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take, so be careful not to overload them to reduce the risk of a fire.

Appliances use different amounts of power – a television may use a 3amp plug and a vacuum cleaner a 5amp plug for example. Know the limit!

Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order to prevent them triggering a fire.

Keep your eyes peeled for signs of dangerous or loose wiring such as scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reasons, or flickering lights.

Check and replace any old cables and leads, especially if they are hidden from view - behind furniture or under carpets and mats.

Unplugging appliances helps reduce the risk of fire.

Unplug appliances when you’re not using them or when you go to bed.

Always ensure that your furniture has the fire-resistant permanent label.

Portable heaters

Try to secure heaters up against a wall to stop them falling over.

Keep them clear from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.

Using an electric blanket

Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.

Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use.

Try not to buy second hand blankets and check regularly for wear and tear.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. Put them out. Right out!

Never smoke in bed.

Smoke outdoors and put cigarettes right out - this is safer than smoking indoors.

Use a proper ashtray – never a wastepaper basket.

Make sure your ashtray can’t tip over and is made of a material that won’t burn.

Don’t leave a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe lying around. They can easily fall over and start a fire.

The best way to reduce the risk is to make an attempt to quit, using NHS support if you need it. If you do not want to quit, consider vaping.

Take extra care if you smoke when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs, or if you’ve been drinking. You might fall asleep and set your bed or sofa on fire.

Unplug e-cigarettes when fully charged and ensure you are using the correct charger.

Never smoke illegally manufactured cigarettes.

Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains.

Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night.

Children shouldn’t be left alone with lit candles.

Consider using LED or battery-operated candles.

Keep pets away from lit candles.

Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Only buy child resistant lighters and match boxes.

Plan a safe escape

Fitting smoke alarms is the first crucial step to protecting yourself from fire. But what would you do if one went off during the night?

This section will help you make a plan ready for an emergency.

Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape.

Make sure exits are kept clear.

The best route is the normal way in and out of your home.

Think of a second route in case the first one is blocked.

Take a few minutes to practise your escape plan.

Review your plan if the layout of your home changes.

Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.

What to do if there is a fire

Don’t tackle fires yourself. Leave it to the professionals.

Keep calm and act quickly, get everyone out as soon as possible.

Don’t waste time investigating what’s happened or rescuing valuables.

If there’s smoke, keep low where the air is clearer.

Before you open a door check if it’s warm. If it is, don’t open it – fire is on the other side.

Call 999 as soon as you’re clear of the building. 999 calls are free.

What to do if your escape is blocked

If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone.

Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke.

Call 999 then open the window and shout “HELP FIRE”.

If you’re on the ground or first floor, you may be able to escape through a window.

Use bedding to cushion your fall and lower yourself down carefully. Don’t jump.

If you can’t open the window break the glass in the bottom corner. Make jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket.

What to do if your clothes catch fire

Don’t run around, you’ll make the flames worse.

Lie down and roll around. It makes it harder for the fire to spread.

Smother the flames with a heavy material, like a coat or blanket.

Remember, Stop, Drop and Roll!

How to escape from a high level building

Make sure you, and everyone in your home, know the fire plan for your building and where fire alarms and fire exits are. As with all buildings, you should plan and practise an escape route.

Avoid using lifts and balconies if there is a fire.

It is easy to get confused in smoke, so count how many doors you need to go through to reach the stairs.

Check that your way out is clear and that there is nothing in the corridors or stairways that could catch fire – like boxes or rubbish.

Make sure doors to stairways are not locked.

You should still get smoke alarms for your own home, even if there is a warning system in the block.

Make a bedtime check

You are more at risk from a fire when asleep. So it’s a good idea to check your home before you go to bed.

Close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading.

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your freezer.

Check your cooker is turned off.

Don’t run appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers overnight.

Turn heaters off and put up fireguards.

Put candles and cigarettes out properly.

In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.

For advice specific to you and your home, complete your own home fire safety check .

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• Environment
• Emergency planning
• Types of emergency

Even a small fire in your home can lead to substantial damage that could be expensive to repair and leave you unable to stay in your property for a number of weeks.

Smoke alarms

A smoke alarm is the easiest and quickest way to alert everyone a t home to the danger of fire. They are cheap, easy to get hold of and simple to fit. London Fire Brigade advises that you place at least one device fitted on the ceiling of every floor in your home.  

As well as fitting smoke alarms in your home, they should also be tested regularly. Try to press the test button once a week.

If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away . Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year.  

If you live in a private rented property, your landlord is legally required to provide you with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Visit London Fire Brigade's website for more information on smoke alarms .

Home fire safety visit

London Fire Brigade offers a free   home fire safety visit . They will visit you in your home and provide you with specific fire safety advice, based on your household and lifestyle.

They may also fit free smoke alarms in your property during the assessment.

Further advice

HM Government and London Fire Brigade provide detailed fire safety advice:

• Fire safety in the home
• Fire safety in shared or rented accommodation
• Fire safety outdoors
• Fire safety on boats
• Fire safety on   London Fire Brigade's website
• The Government's  Fire Kills Campaign

Up to: Types of emergency

Updated: 16 February 2023

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Fire tears through newbuild flats sending acrid smoke through central London

Share this with

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

London Fire Brigade is asking people to avoid Canning Town as a fire rips through a building.

The building involved, near Silvertown Way, is currently under construction.

LFB say there are 10 fire engines and about 70 firefighters on the scene.

The brigade is asking people to avoid the area while they fight the fire.

A spokesperson for the brigade said: ‘Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters are responding to a fire near Silvertown Way in Canning Town.

‘The fire is located in a construction site. One of the Brigade’s 64m ladder has been deployed to the scene.

‘People are advised avoid the area as crews respond.’

Luke Robert Black, who saw the fire, said: ‘There appeared to be two fires emerging from two of the unfinished buildings at Canning Town.

‘The police had cleared Silvertown Way and there was a few fire engines – but didn’t see any ambulances and the police were still letting people through to get to the tube.

‘Thankfully doesn’t look like it has affected the completed buildings towards Morrisons.

Latest London news

• Horses that rampaged through London pictured together during 'remarkable recovery'
• Man dies after being stabbed in a fight in central London
• Trains in and out of major London train station cancelled following 'incident'

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

‘Area was all really calm and despite it being rush hour I think the police did a good job of keeping everyone moving.’

Andy Lloyd-Williams was taking part in a steps challenge to raise money for Barts Charity when he saw the smoke.

He told Metro.co.uk : ‘At about 9am I was walking around the docks when I heard all the fire engine noises and looked up and there was this thick black billowing smoke cloud coming from the area.

‘You can still hear them now, I live quite close to the station, but it looked like they sealed off the road quite quickly, and there were a couple of helicopters circling too.

‘It looked like the main billows of smoke stopped within 15 or 20 minutes so they were on it quite quickly.’

The A1011 Silvertown Way is a busy road through east London and it’s been closed between the A13 Canning Town Flyover and Hallsville Road.

Part of the road has been blocked off by several fire engines, and several passersby were seen stopping to watch or take pictures or videos of the smoke pouring into the sky.

The fire is located in an area of significant construction, with several cranes in place and hoardings at street level.

There are a number of London Underground stations nearby, likely busy thanks to the morning commute, with Canning Town, Custom House and Royal Victoria stations in the vicinity.

Bus routes 147, 330 and 474 all pass by the area and they have been diverted to avoid the fire.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said no injuries have been reported so far.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] . Or you can submit your videos and pictures here .

For more stories like this, check our  news page .

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here .

MORE : Iconic 70s punk group reunite to perform full debut album to save London music venue

MORE : The London neighbourhood with a massive Mars crater named after it

MORE : Flash floods can turn deadly in seconds – here’s how to stay safe

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.

Privacy Policy

Get us in your feed

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Firefighters battle huge east London fire with smoke seen across city

London fire brigade dispatches 70 firefighters to deal with blaze in canning town, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world

Sign up to our free morning headlines email, thanks for signing up to the morning headlines email.

A large fire broke out at a construction site in east London on Tuesday morning with people warned to avoid the area.

London Fire Bridge dispatched ten fire engines and around 70 crew to deal with the blaze near Silvertown Way in Canning Town.

Footage posted on social media showed clouds of thick black smoke billowing into the sky as the fire raged.

The fire brigade said the blaze broke out on the ground floor of a 10-storey commercial unit. One of the brigade’s 64m ladders had been deployed to tackle the fire.

A 13.5m ladder was used to rescue one person. There were no injuries reported.

The brigade said it received over 25 calls reporting the fire, with the first call taken at 08.23am. Firefighters from Plaistow, Poplar, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

It was later confirmed the fire is now under control. The cause is currently unknown and an investigation is underway to establish how it started.

Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles across London.

“I live in Hackney,  a few miles away from Canning Town  and I can smell the smoke from this site here,” one person said on X.

Another said: “Building on fire in Canning Town, London. Looks like a building under construction. Firemen are already on location.”

A third wrote: “Ominous scene this morning in Canning Town but police and firemen out in force, making us all feel safe. Looks like only the building sites are affected.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre