Firefighters warn of beds in sheds danger following 13 deaths
Firefighters have warned of the ‘tragedy’ of vulnerable people living in sheds and outhouses, who are at far greater risks of dying in a fire.
There have been 438 fires in London involving occupied buildings that should not have been lived in leading to 13 deaths in five years, London Fire Brigade said.
The brigade has issued warnings to 200 landlords after encountering scenes ‘reminiscent of a Charles Dickens novel’.
It has now launched a toolkit to combat the problem, aimed at helping those frontline workers, including housing staff, and occupants of unsafe properties ensure they are not at risk.
Dave Brown, third officer at LFB, said: ‘It’s a tragedy that in this day and age we’ve got people living in factories, sheds and outbuildings in scenes reminiscent of a Charles Dickens novel.
‘When people are forced to live in these sorts of buildings, they are at a far greater risk
‘We are working to educate those who come into contact with unsuitable accommodation and those who live in it to try and prevent further beds in sheds fire tragedies.’
Kris Hopkins, housing minister, said the government was ‘determined’ to stop landlords letting properties of this type and had given £6.7 million to councils to tackle rogue behaviour.
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