Fires across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight involving common household white goods – such as tumble dryers and washing machines – occurred, on average, almost once a week in the last year, figures show.
Analysis of Home Office fire data by the charity Electrical Safety First shows that last year 44 accidental electrical fires involving common household white goods occurred in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight – the 5th highest number in England.
However, there is some good news. The total number of accidental electrical fires involving appliances such as tumble dryers, washing machines, fridge freezers, dishwashers and washer/dryer combis fell by over 25% from 54 in 2022/23 to 44 in 2023/24.
Fires from white goods can be caused by many different factors including poor ventilation, wiring that may become damaged, a lack of maintenance, faults, as well as overloaded extension leads.
The stark warning of the risks comes as part of Electrical Safety First’s annual awareness week, Electrical Fire Safety Week.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, says:
“Fires of any type can ruin lives, by damaging physical and mental health, destroying homes and putting lives at risk. It’s easy to forget that they can start from the very appliances we use in our homes each day.
“Whilst fires involving white goods have decreased in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Mandy’s story shines a light on how damaging and absolutely devastating they can be. So, it’s really important people understand the steps they can take to reduce the risk of a fire occurring within their home.”
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Jamie Cousins, Station Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, adds:
“Electrical fires present a real risk across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, often causing significant damage to the homes of residents and sometimes leading to the most tragic of consequences.
“If a fire were to break out, the effects can be devastating if they are not detected early enough, especially if this happens overnight.
“During Electrical Fire Safety Week, please take the opportunity to check your home, consider the safety of your family and ensure you have working smoke detectors.
“It’s so important to use electrical appliances and devices correctly – overloading sockets, using the wrong chargers, and not checking the wiring on items are all common causes of fires in the home, yet are all easily avoided.”
For fire safety information relating to electrical appliances, gizmos and gadgets visit https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/loveyourhome/firehazards/electrical-appliances/.
The Isle of Wight is a separate county from the county of Hampshire, (at the moment anyway!!!) are there any separate figures for this County?