With an estimated 982,000 people in the UK affected by dementia, the Brigade is encouraging carers to take practical steps to reduce fire risks in the home. In London, more than a third of people who die in dwelling fires receive some form of care, either formally or informally, highlighting the importance of fire safety for vulnerable residents.

As part of the initiative, firefighters from Feltham Fire Station’s Red Watch have partnered with community support group Seeing Dementia Differently, which was established to support young carers looking after someone living with dementia.

Station Officer Charles Batterbee said: “There is a lot for carers to deal with when looking after dementia patients. As well as hospital visits, medical appointments and administering medication there are also the daily chores of cooking and cleaning. Not surprisingly, fire safety in the home might not be at the forefront of people’s minds. By signposting people to our online Home Fire Safety Checker, we’re encouraging carers to use it as a simple tool to help prevent, detect and escape a fire. Removing that worry can make a big difference when there so much to juggle. If someone meets the criteria for a home visit, our crews can provide lifesaving advice and equipment to Londoners in person.

“We want to ensure young dementia carers feel safe and are prepared before an emergency happens. Checking smoke alarms are in working order and making an emergency escape plan are important steps that make all the difference should an emergency happen. With all the other tasks, it’s understandable fire safety might fall to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list when caring for a loved one.”

Seeing Dementia Differently founder Cici Willoughby welcomed the partnership. Having become a carer for her father following his diagnosis with early onset dementia at the age of 54, she understands the challenges faced by young carers.

She said: “This partnership is about providing that reassurance to young carers that they can access resources. It provides support as they navigate their own lives with the extra pressure of caring for someone too. Caring duties can be lonely, making sure there are working smoke alarms can help you take a breath and help remove some of the worry. Watching our fire safety films will help carers know their home is as fire safe as it can be – that can really make the day to day a little easier.”

Meanwhile, firefighters from Plumstead Fire Station’s Green Watch have been working with Kent-based charity Alzheimers Dementia Support Services to improve awareness of fire risks associated with dementia.

Station Officer Danny Pugh led the development of a fire safety film aimed at people living with dementia and those who support them, drawing on his personal experience after both of his grandparents were diagnosed with the condition.

He said: “The film is aimed at people living with dementia, and anyone who is supporting them. We cover the top causes of fire in the home and it’s filmed in a home-setting to highlight the fire risks. The areas we highlight include cooking, electrical faults, smoking, domestic appliance faults (in washing machines, tumble dryers, fridge and freezers), candles, faulty or misused electrical equipment and overloading plug sockets. All of these can be a hazard to someone living with dementia.

“Anyone supporting those with dementia should keep an eye out for previous fires or near misses, such as, burns or scorch marks from cigarettes, heaters or cooking. If you find any electrical issues, get them checked by a qualified electrician.

“Importantly, working smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that there are adequate smoke alarms throughout the home. Regularly test them to make sure they are in good working order.”

Fire Safety Advice

The Brigade is encouraging people living with dementia and their carers to follow several key fire safety measures:

• Install smoke alarms in every room where a fire could potentially start.
• Avoid smoking in bed or on armchairs, particularly where there is a risk of falling asleep.
• Take extra care in the kitchen, where unattended cooking remains a common cause of fires. Consider tools and technologies such as timers that automatically switch off hobs.
• Replace traditional candles with flameless LED alternatives to reduce fire risk.

The awareness campaign forms part of the Brigade’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable residents and help carers create safer home environments for those living with dementia.

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