Lancashire firefighters are urging residents to heat their homes safely this winter.

It comes as the colder weather hits and many households have lost the Winter Fuel Payment they relied on in previous years. LFRS predicts this may prompt households to use alternative methods to heat their home, including gas or open fires, log burners or electric heaters.

The ‘Stay Safe & Warm” campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks of using these appliances, share guidance on how to use them safely, and how to keep them maintained.

The advice includes:

Liam Wilson, Group Manager for Prevention at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service: “It’s really important that we all cope safely with the rise in the cost of living and we don’t put ourselves or our loved ones at risk. We want to encourage people to heat their homes safety whilst be energy efficient, reducing the risk of fire in the home.”

We also encourage people to register for a home fire safety check for themselves or their loved ones. By answering a few simple questions, it will provide fire safety advice specific to you and tips on how to keep you and your household safe from fire. For those most at risk, we can visit the home to provide help and advice. Register online or call 0800 169 1125.