In response, the WYFRS Prevention Team is actively working to raise awareness about the dangers and provide simple steps to enhance safety. The increase in such fires may be linked to space constraints in kitchens, leading to items like air fryers or flammable packaging being placed on hobs, which can either switch them on or ignite from residual heat.
Assistant District Commander Neil Griffiths says “We have unfortunately noticed a sharp upwards trend in the number of fires being caused by improper storage – which basically means putting things where they shouldn’t be, particularly items on hobs. We first started to see it anecdotally, but our increased use of data as a service now backs this up.
“We want to remind the public there are simple steps to take to avoid these type of fires – basically by not putting anything on a hob! I’ve seen all sorts of things ignite from big equipment like air fryers, to tea towels – once even a bag of dog poo which an owner had put on the hob ready for disposal in a bin.
“The devastation something as simple as leaving an item on a hob can be huge, we’ve seen houses destroyed - and sadly a fatality – so we’re just highlighting this issue in the hope the public will follow these simple steps and help us stop this spike in incidents.”
To help prevent these fires, WYFRS recommends the following safety measures:
• Keep the Area Clear: Ensure flammable items such as tea towels, oven mitts, and food packaging are kept away from the hob.
• Double-Check: Always double-check that the hob is turned off after cooking.
• Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure you have working smoke alarms in the kitchen.
• Avoid Placing Electrical Equipment on Hobs: Never place electrical items like air fryers or toastie makers on a hob, even if it's turned off, as accidental activation can cause them to melt and ignite.
• Use Heat-Resistant Surfaces: Place hot items on stable, heat-resistant surfaces away from other appliances.
By following these guidelines, residents can significantly reduce the risk of fires in their homes.