House fires are scary and serious, not only does it cause destruction to buildings but can also lead to a loss of life. The UK Fire & Rescue Service attended 598,504 incidents in the year ending September 2024, with 241 of these being fatal fires leading to the loss of 263 lives. A large proportion of these fires were residential that could have been triggered from several outlined risks. In this blog post we will dive into the most common causes of house fires so you can put safety measures in place to keep your house safe.
Cooking Appliances
Many residential fires can occur in the kitchen as cooking appliances generally generate heat. Ensure you keep an eye on these appliances when they are on and turn off after use. A build up of grease can also make your appliances overheat, regular cleaning is always recommended. Grease fires can also be caused by cooking oil that becomes too hot, so never turn your back when cooking with oil. Also ensure you are buying quality cooking appliances that has the relevant certifications and testing from manufacturers, as poorly made cooking appliances could fail and cause an electrical fire.
Candles and Matches
Candles can easily tip over and start a fire, especially if they are placed near flammable objects or burning out towards their end of life. When a candle is left burning, it is important to make sure that it is in a safe place where it cannot tip over and ensure to blow out before leaving the room. Wax melt burners should also be used with caution, usage of the wrong tea-lights in the burner can cause an eruption of flames which can be uncontrollable.
When striking a match ensure there is nothing flammable nearby and when striking ensure the matchbox and match are far away from your body and face.
Smoking Related
If a cigarette is not properly extinguished, it can cause a fire as they can easily over balance as they burn down to the end. If possible, refrain from smoking inside and smoke outside in a larger open space.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical fires can stem from malfunctioning systems, overheating, or improper use of the equipment. When these issues occur, fires can ignite rapidly, leading to significant damage. Additionally, electrical cords that are damaged pose a serious fire risk. Ensure electrical devices are switched off and regularly maintained, refrain from charging devices overnight and purchase from reputable manufacturers.
Heating
Heating appliances can be a major contributor to house fires, with heaters posing a risk if not properly maintained. Over time dust and debris can collect on heating elements, leading to overheating and potential ignition. To reduce fire hazards, ensure portable heaters are regularly cleaned and well maintained and not near anything that could easily go up in flames.
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