Rise in faulty heaters leads to warning from Greater Manchester fire and rescue
- Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue are urging people to check the quality of their portable heaters
- There has been a rise in cost-of-living-related fire incidents
- The Office for Product Safety and Standards frequently issue recalls for faulty portable heaters
Featured image: Twitter, @manchesterfire
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning to people to check the quality of portable heater after a rise in fire call-outs.
The Manchester Evening News report 23 cost-of-living-related fire incidents across Greater Manchester including using faulty heaters or fake batteries.
Stay fire safe campaign
GMFRS is urging people to check the condition of their heaters professionally, to avoid using overloaded extension leads and opt for devices from a reputable brand.
They are emphasising the importance of consulting the Office for Product Safety and Standards website for product recalls.
Since November 2022, there have been two such recalls for eBay portable heaters- Portable Heater and the Desktop Fan-Unit Heater BG-360.
Both products are said to “present a serious risk of electric shock” amongst other hazards.
GMFRS added that people should also ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed.
The guidance has been issued as part of GMFRS’s Stay Fire Safe Campaign.
Heater ads removed
This comes as four adverts InstaHeat, Keilini, Heater Pro and Heater Pro X were removed by the Advertising Standards Authority for manipulating the cost-of-living crisis and implying mini-electric heaters are a cheaper alternative to central heating with little evidence to back up these claims.