GLOUCESTERSHIRE Fire & Rescue Service is concerned residents could ‘play with fire’ in their efforts to find cheaper heating options this winter.

With rising energy prices, people are opting to use portable heaters to warm homes but many are not aware of the risks involved.

GFRS firefighters will be highlighting the issue as part of Electrical Fire Safety Week, which runs from November 10 to 16.

Research by charity Electrical Safety First found that 78 per cent of people were worried about the rising costs of energy bills and over half would use portable heaters to keep warm this winter but many admitted to using them incorrectly.

The findings also showed 38 per cent of people said they would leave a heater switched on unattended and 21 per cent would leave one switched on overnight.

Portable heaters have caused 73 deaths, around 1,000 injuries and over 3,800 fires nationally since 2009/10.

The elderly are particularly at risk with those aged 80 or over accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the fatalities caused by portable heater fires last year.

Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet member for fire and rescue Cllr Will Windsor Clive said: “We have enjoyed a generally mild few months but the cold weather will inevitably arrive soon.

“Portable heaters can be dangerous if used incorrectly so it’s important that people know how to stay safe as they seek to stay warm this winter.”

Electrical Safety First and GFRS have come up with the following guidance for using heaters safely:

• Never leave portable heaters unattended

• Never leave them on whilst sleeping

• Ensure that they are positioned well away from anything which could knock them over

• Ensure they are at least a metre away from any combustible materials, such as paper or curtains

• Never buy second hand halogen heaters

• Never power a halogen heater from an extension lead – these can easily be overloaded and cause fires

• Regularly inspect your heater for damage. If it’s damaged, don’t use it.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Stewart Edgar said: “We understand that portable heaters are a low cost option to stay warm this winter and we have no problem with you using them as long as you do so safely.

“People can unknowingly put themselves at risk by not understanding the dangers we have outlined so please share our advice, particularly with older friends or relatives.”