Be safe.
Fire prevention.
Every year, fires in homes across England lead to many deaths and thousands of injuries. These fires are often preventable. You can prevent fires by understanding the risks and taking simple precautions to protect you and your home.
Fire prevention in your home
Take time to look around your home and identify potential fire hazards:
- are there clothes, papers or other items too close to heaters or the cooker?
- is your cooker off and free of any flammable materials?
- do you have overloaded extension leads or adaptors?
- are there frayed or damaged electrical cables?
- are candles and cigarettes put out properly?
Regular checks can save lives. Fire kills when we ignore the warning signs – taking just a few minutes to assess your home could prevent a tragedy. when we ignore the warning signs – taking just a few minutes to assess your home could prevent a tragedy.
Common causes of fire
Cooking is the leading cause of fires in the home, responsible for around half of all accidental dwelling fires. Fires can start when you’re distracted, when cooking is left unattended, or when flammable items are too close to the hob or oven.
Electrical faults and faulty appliances cause a significant number of fires. Overloaded sockets, damaged cables, and older appliances can all pose serious risks.
Smoking materials remain the most common cause of fire deaths in the home. Falling asleep whilst smoking or improper disposal of cigarettes and other smoking materials can lead to devastating fires. Fire kills – and smoking-related fires are particularly deadly because they often start when people are asleep or where they are very close by when a fire starts.
Candles cause hundreds of fires each year, particularly when left unattended or placed too close to curtains, furniture or other flammable materials.
How to prevent fires
In the kitchen
- never leave cooking unattended, especially when using oil or high temperatures
- keep tea towels, cloths and packaging away from the hob and oven
- clean your cooker, grill and oven regularly to prevent fat and grease build-up
- check your cooking before going to bed or leaving the house
Electrical safety
- don’t overload sockets – use one plug per socket
- check cables and leads regularly for damage
- replace any damaged or worn electrical items
- switch off and unplug appliances when you’re not using them
- never cover lights or electrical equipment with material
- have your electrics checked by a qualified electrician if you live in an older property
If you smoke
- always use a proper ashtray that can’t tip over
- stub cigarettes out completely and dispose of them carefully
- never smoke in bed or when you’re tired
- the best way to reduce the risk is to make an attempt to quit, using NHS support if you need it.
- take extra care if you’ve been drinking alcohol – your reactions are slower and you’re more likely to fall asleep
Safe use of candles
- place candles in sturdy holders on a level surface
- keep candles away from curtains, furniture and draughts
- never leave lit candles unattended
- extinguish candles fully before going to bed
- consider using LED alternatives
Heating safely
- keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture
- never dry clothes on or near heaters
- have your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- install a carbon monoxide alarm near gas appliances
Support for those more at risk
Some people face greater risks from fire. If you or someone you know falls into one of these groups, extra precautions and support are available.
Your local fire and rescue service may offer a free home fire safety visit. During a visit, firefighters will:
- identify fire risks in your home
- provide tailored fire safety advice
- fit smoke alarms free of charge if needed
- create a fire escape plan with you
To arrange a free visit, contact your local fire and rescue service.
Find your local fire and rescue service
Alternatively, you can complete a free online home fire safety check.
At risk groups
Older people
If you’re older, you may have reduced mobility, sight or hearing, making it harder to detect or escape from fire. Your local fire and rescue service can provide free home fire safety visits tailored to your needs.
People with disabilities
Physical, sensory or learning disabilities can all increase fire risk. Specialised smoke alarms are available, including vibrating pad alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Speak to your local fire and rescue service about equipment and advice suited to your circumstances.
Situations where drugs or alcohol are involved
Drugs and alcohol significantly impair your reactions and increase the likelihood of fires caused by smoking or cooking. If you smoke and drink regularly, you’re at much higher risk. Consider smoking outside, use a deep ashtray that won’t tip over, and never smoke after drinking.
Young people living independently
If you’ve recently moved into your own home, you may be less aware of fire risks. Be particularly careful with cooking, especially after drinking, and ensure you have working smoke alarms on every floor.
Frequently asked questions
How can I prevent cooking fires?
Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking and never leave pans unattended, especially when frying or using high heat. Keep the hob and oven clean to prevent grease build-up, and ensure tea towels, oven gloves and food packaging are kept well away from heat sources.
If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the hob. Avoid cooking if you’re tired or have been drinking alcohol, as this significantly increases your fire risk. Consider switching to oven chips instead of using a chip pan or deep fat fryer.
How do I know that an electrical appliance might be dangerous?
Warning signs include scorch marks on plugs or sockets, fuses that blow repeatedly, flickering lights, burning smells, or sparks from outlets or appliances. Frayed or damaged cables, cracked plug casings, and appliances that feel unusually hot are also danger signs.
If you spot any of these, stop using the appliance immediately, unplug it and have it checked by a qualified professional or replace it. Don’t ignore these signs – fire kills, and electrical fires can develop quickly.
How can I make smoking safer in my home?
The safest option is to smoke outside. If you do smoke indoors, never smoke in bed, when you’re drowsy, or after drinking alcohol. Always use a proper, sturdy ashtray that won’t tip over – never use wastepaper bins. Stub cigarettes out properly and check they’re completely extinguished before disposing of them. Keep matches and lighters away from children.
Consider switching to vaping products, which don’t carry the same fire risk as traditional cigarettes. If you’re a smoker, particularly if you live alone or have mobility issues, a free home fire safety visit from your local fire and rescue service can provide personalised advice.
Are multi-socket adapters and extension leads safe to use?
They can be used safely if you follow basic precautions:
- Never overload them – check the current rating (usually 13 amps) and make sure the total power drawn by all plugged-in appliances doesn’t exceed this limit.
- Don’t plug one extension lead into another (daisy-chaining).
- Keep leads in good condition, fully uncoil them before use to prevent overheating, and replace any that show signs of damage such as exposed wires or scorch marks.
- Position leads where they won’t be damaged by furniture or create a trip hazard.
- When possible, use individually switched sockets rather than adaptors.
How often should I have electrical installations and gas appliances checked?
Have your home’s electrical installation inspected by a qualified electrician at least every 10 years, or every 5 years if you rent your home. Gas appliances should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer – this is a legal requirement for landlords.
Never attempt DIY repairs on gas appliances or electrical installations. Regular servicing can identify potential problems before they become dangerous, preventing fires and carbon monoxide incidents. Keep records of all inspections and services.
In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
For advice specific to you and your home, complete your own home fire safety check.