A London Fire Brigade service has revealed that home insurance claims made by property owners increase this time of year, due to fire-related problems.

The brigade said that fires are much more likely to occur when the temperature drops.

The most common reasons why individuals cause a fire are due to heating appliances (14%) and cooking equipment (12%)going wrong or being left on.

More than one-third of fatal house fires are caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials, with nationwide figures exposing that 3,061 accidental house fires, 99 deaths and over 1,000 injuries were linked to smoking in 2007.

Therefore a spokesman advised homeowners to check their smoke alarms and to never leave the house when electric heaters are in use.

Andy Hickmott, assistant commissioner for community safety, revealed: “Sadly, you're also more likely to die in a fire during the winter months.

“That's why we're reminding everyone to take great care with items like electric heaters, candles, electric blankets and cookers.”