A fire chief warned people could be risking house fires by resorting to dangerous methods to save money.
With the cost of living crisis on the minds of many in the country due to the rise in energy bills, there are concerns that people may rely on cheaper heating alternatives that are at a higher risk of causing a blaze.
These methods include relying on electrical heaters to dry clothes, burning unsafe materials to keep warm, or staying too close to open fires. While people are worrying about how to pay their bills, this also means that there is a higher chance of fire-related deaths compared to last year, reports BirminghamLive.
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Staffordshire's Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, has highlighted the dangers of these money-saving-methods. He said: "We are expecting accidental house fires will increase this year as people make changes to their behaviour and the way they heat their homes.
"We have a number of concerns which range from people huddling too close to open fires, electrical heaters being used to dry clothes, individuals throwing anything that will burn into wood burners and even camping stoves being used indoors.
"Unfortunately more fires increases the likelihood of more injuries and sadly the potential for more deaths. We appreciate people need to make changes to how they use energy in order to reduce costs but we'd urge people not to do that at the expense of your own life and that of others.
"You can reduce your energy bill without having to resort to unsafe practices."
Mr Barber added: "The easiest and most effective thing you can do to reduce your risk is to check you have working smoke alarms on each floor of your property, to increase your protection further ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector fitted.
"If you have an open fire get the chimney swept ahead of needing to use it this winter and use seasoned logs with the 'Safe to Burn' logo that won't spit.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service added: "In the months ahead the Service will be partnering up with other organisations to support initiatives which support low income households and provide equipment to help people keep warmer in their homes.
"Heating your home safely will also be a focus of the Safe and Well visits that fire staff carry out in the homes of vulnerable people on a daily basis.
"More information on how to keep warm safely is available in the home page of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website. Information is also available as to whether you or someone you know can qualify for a free Safe and Well Visit. Alternatively you can call freephone 0800 0241 999."
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