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Warning over spate of UK house fires as residents try to cut energy bills

Fire authorities have urged householders to take care when using candles, wood burners and electric heaters to cut energy bills this Christmas after a spate of recent house fires.

Flat fires in Uxbridge and Harwich this month were caused by candles; fire chiefs in Cumbria, Hereford and Worcester reported more fires as householders used unswept chimneys and candles; and last month in Wakefield a blaze was caused by a tumble dryer being used overnight to save money.

Ofgem figures released on Thursday showed the average annual electricity bill was ?1,297, compared with ?815 last year, and average annual gas bills went from ?602 to ?1,336, an 86% rise in total. Soaring food prices mean the ingredients of a typical Christmas dinner are up almost 30% on last year.

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