South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service issues Christmas safety advice amid rising electrical fire incidents

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service warns of electrical fire risks

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFR) has responded to nearly 2,000 electrical fires in the past three years, with domestic properties accounting for over 60% of incidents.

Figures, shared by Legal Expert, indicate that cooking is the primary cause of these fires, with faulty electrical equipment and appliances also contributing.

Nationally, approximately 4,000 house fires are caused by faulty electrics each year, as reported by the Home Office.

Ahead of the Christmas season, SYFR issued a safety advisory encouraging residents to exercise caution, particularly in the kitchen, where many household fires begin.

The service stated: “Do not leave cooking unattended. The kitchen is often the centre of activity during the Christmas period, but it’s also where many fires start.”

Breakdown of SYFR’s response to electrical fires

Between 2021 and 2024, SYFR responded to 1,891 electrical fires, with 1,127 occurring in homes and 315 in commercial buildings such as offices.

Cooking incidents represented 354 of these cases, while faulty equipment and appliances accounted for 293 incidents.

Fires resulting from faulty electrical supplies made up 234 cases.

SYFR provided a list of the five most frequent causes of electrical fires in homes, with cookers and ovens identified as the primary cause, leading to 450 fires since 2021.

Wiring, cabling, and plugs, including seasonal items like Christmas lights and everyday items like phone chargers, caused 293 fires.

Changing trends in household fire hazards

SYFR’s analysis also highlighted evolving trends in fire hazards linked to electrical appliances.

Batteries or generators were the third most common cause of electrical fires in 2021–2022, while microwave ovens held this position in 2022–2023.

In the current year, separate hot plates or rings have been the third most common cause, with 28 incidents reported.

SYFR also reported four fatalities and 171 injuries related to electrical fires over the past three years.

Christmas safety advice from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

In its statement, SYFR urged residents to be cautious with holiday electrical decorations, particularly Christmas lights.

The advisory noted: “Christmas lights add festive charm but can be a potential fire hazard if not used safely.

“Check for damage, use certified lights, don’t overload, and turn off when not in use.”

Legal Expert, a firm with personal injury solicitors specialising in electrical fire claims related to defective products, operates a 24-hour helpline and offers online claims assistance on its website for those affected by such incidents.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service issues Christmas safety advice amid rising electrical fire incidents: Summary

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFR) has responded to 1,891 electrical fires over the last three years, with cooking and faulty appliances as primary causes.

Most incidents occurred in domestic properties, with cookers and ovens cited as the leading source.

Changes in commonly implicated appliances were observed, including batteries in 2021–2022, microwaves in 2022–2023, and hot plates this year.

Ahead of Christmas, SYFR advises residents to use caution with festive decorations, particularly electrical lights, and stresses the importance of not leaving cooking unattended.

Four deaths and 171 injuries were reported from these incidents over the past three years.

Legal Expert, which offers a helpline and online support for claims related to electrical fires, provided these findings.