Modern fridge freezers have been identified as the most dangerous household appliance when involved in a fire, according to a report by the London Fire Brigade (LFB). The appliances contain large amounts of plastic and flammable insulation, which can cause fires to spread rapidly and produce highly toxic gases.
The report follows a tragic fire in Neasden, north London, in September 2011, where a chest freezer failure led to the deaths of six members of the same family. The victims, including mother Muna Elmufatish and her five children, died from inhalation of fire fumes.
The LFB is calling for tougher safety standards for these appliances. The report highlights that fridges and freezers built in recent years contain more plastic than older models, and the flammable insulation is not adequately separated from components where fires can start. A comparison with the US, where safety standards are stricter, found that people in the UK are more likely to be injured in such fires.
UK figures show that one in every five fires involving fridges or freezers results in injury, compared with one in 25 in the US. On average, there are 336 such fires annually in the UK, injuring 69 people. LFB deputy commissioner Rita Dexter urged the public to contact manufacturers or repair experts if they notice any strange noises from their fridge or freezer.
