Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service has been called out to more than 800 electrical fires in the last three years, a new investigation has revealed.
Figures obtained by Legal Expert show that of those, more than 530 (66 per cent) happened in domestic properties with apparatus with cookers and ovens found to be the leading cause of electrical house fires across the county.
Around 4,000 house fires across the UK every year are caused by faulty electrics, according to the Home Office.
In the run-up to Christmas, fire services across the UK are releasing their latest advice and guidance about how to stay safe during the festive period.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) has issued its annual ‘12 tips of Christmas’ warning to residents which includes a specific message about electrical hazards in the home.
Dan Moss, group manager prevention and protection for LFRS said of the figures: “Making preparations for Christmas like putting up decorations, cooking and staying away from home, can bring excitement, but also more risk of a fire.”
The service advises residents to: ‘Turn off unnecessary electrical products before bed and make sure plug sockets aren’t overloaded.’
Legal Expert’s investigation has found that between 2021 and 2024, Lincolnshire fire crews attended 810 fires caused by electricals alone.
Of those, 535 were in domestic properties, while the remaining 196 cases were in non-domestic properties such as office buildings.
The remaining 79 electrical blazes were marked as having ‘unspecified locations’ – which could include outdoor areas or vehicle fires.
LFRS revealed the leading appliance to cause electrical fires in the last three years was cookers, including ovens which accounted for 191 electrical fires in the home.
Wiring, cabling and plugs were the second most common cause of electrical house fires, responsible for 116 incidents since 2021.
Ring/hot plates caused a further 54 house fires, while tumble dryers accounted for 46.
The service also confirmed that in the last three years there have been two deaths as a result of electrical fires in the county as well as 129 victims who sustained either serious or slight injuries.
LFRS is urging residents to remain vigilant this Christmas especially when it comes to festive, electrical decorations which are starting to go up all around the district.
The fire service’s guidance adds: “Be careful when buying products online – fakes can be dangerous.
“Keep looking at your cooking and check your fairy lights are in good working order before use.”
