A New Malden firefighter has been commended for helping to ensure some of Kingston’s most vulnerable residents are safe from fire.

Firefighter Will Lonsdale, 38, was given a London Fire Brigade special achievement award by London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster Alistair Stewart at Millbank Tower in central London last week.

Mr Lonsdale received the award for his instrumental role in researching the link between house fires and cases where poorer residents were using candles for light and heat because they were struggling to pay their electricity bills.

He said: “I’m thrilled. It’s very satisfying to know that something you have done will help keep people safe from the dangers of fire and the tragic consequences it can bring.

“Attending a fire in New Malden which had been caused because the householder had been using candles when their meter was out of credit made me see that this was a vulnerable group of people in need of some sort of fire protection.”

Following the fire, Mr Lonsdale worked with energy company EDF to give out fire safety advice to about 3,000 of Kingston’s most vulnerable residents.

Residents were also offered a free London Fire Brigade home fire safety visit, where local firefighters would inspect their homes and fit free smoke alarms if needed.

Kingston’s borough commander John Elwell, who nominated Will for his award, said: “Many of the fires we attend could easily have been avoided if people were more aware of how to protect themselves and their families.

“We know some Londoners are more at risk from fire than others and we want to target those people so that we get to them now - before they have a fire.”

To arrange a home visit from the fire brigade, visit london-fire.gov.uk/HomeFireSafetyVisit.asp.

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