Fire crews have warned of the safety hazards posed by electric heaters, as millions of households turn to using them to keep warm in an effort to cut energy costs.

Research published by charity Electrical Safety First found that a fifth of households (22 per cent) have bought an electric heater in the last year, with almost half (45 per cent) from an online marketplace.

However, in a campaign video to mark Electrical Fire Safety Week, crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue warned that the heaters can pose a real danger if mistakes are made when using them.

Richard Poole, crew manager at the fire service, said: “In the blink of an eye, your property can be gone.

“We were walking through this home that was destroyed when a plug-in heater was accidentally knocked over. Everything was black, everything was charred and smoke damaged. It’s heart-wrenching.”

Electrical Safety First has warned shoppers to buy heaters directly from reputable retailers, not leave them turned on unattended for long periods overnight, never to plug them into extension leads, never to dry clothes on them and to keep them well away from fabrics to ensure they do not put themselves at risk of a fire.

Lesley Rudd, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Heating your home should never come at the expense of your own safety.

“While portable heaters can be useful to heat a small space, they can pose a real risk to your home and your life if mistakes are made when using them.

“With the significant number of people set to turn these appliances this winter, it’s vital we use them safely.”