Assembly Member Leonie Cooper Backs London Fire Brigade Campaign

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Data shows 46 Merton fires were caused by white goods in last five years

New figures show that 46 fires were caused by defective white goods in Merton in the last five years.

Data from the London Fire Brigade revealed that across London over 2,000 fires have been caused by faults with white goods such as washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers since 2011.

Local London Assembly Member Leonie Cooper AM is backing a campaign by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) which aims to make it easier for Londoners to protect themselves from faulty white goods.

Ms Cooper said the government must “act urgently” to “protect Londoners, protect consumers, and save millions of pounds for the capital’s economy.”   

Since January 2011, Merton has seen 46 fires caused by defective white goods, the economic cost of which is estimated to be £2.6 million.

Across London, 2,072 fires involving white goods have been recorded over the same period. The London Fire Brigade estimates that over £118m has been lost from London’s economy as a result.

A new campaign has been launched by the LFB aimed at protecting the public from faulty appliances.  Amongst the key recommendations set out in the Total Recalls campaign is the introduction of a single register listing products from the UK and abroad that have been recalled. Local London Assembly Member Leonie Cooper AM is urging the government to get behind the campaign.

Labour London Assembly Member, Leonie Cooper AM, said: "Too many lives, too many family homes, have been destroyed as a result of fires which could well have been prevented. We need to go far further to make people aware of the risk posed by faulty appliances and the ways in which they can keep themselves and their families safe.

"This campaign gives the government a solid blueprint for ensuring people are aware when their appliances have been recalled due to a fault. We need to see government act urgently on these objectives to protect Londoners, protect consumers, and save millions of pounds for the capital’s economy."

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October 26, 2016