The London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for Hackney, Graham Howgate, has issued a fire safety warning to local residents after the worst house fire to hit London in over a decade.
A faulty freezer is believed to have caused the fire in a Neasdon home in the early hours of Saturday morning, where five children died.
He urges everyone to check their electrical appliances and to call a repair man if they notice anything strange, and warns people never to overload plug sockets.
He has also highlighted the importance of installing a smoke alarm and checking regularly that it works.
He advises everyone to devise an escape plan should a fire break out in their homes, and in the event of a fire to “get out, stay out.” Call the fire brigade and don’t attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here