With the UK set to experience the warmest spring for a century, Aviva is alerting residents to the risk of fire to their homes and gardens.
The warning comes as new analysis, comprising data from the last five years, reveals the number of fire-related claims has increased during warmer weather.
This year, April and May have seen a significantly higher level of fire claims that have started outside the home, overtaking every month in 2024. With higher-than-average levels of sunshine during these months, the data suggests that an increase in people enjoying their gardens – from barbecuing to having bonfires – could, in part, explain the increase in claims.
The data also shows that lightning claims - which can spark fires by striking roofs and loft spaces - have increased over the last five years. According to Aviva claims data, September 2024 experienced three times as many lightning claims than in any other month that year.
Research by Aviva, among 2,000 UK consumers also reveals that one in eight (12%) worry more about fire safety during hot weather and 13% worry more during barbecue season.
Examples of fire claims include:
• Multiple fires started in nearby gardens, destroying fences and sheds
• Garden bonfires resulted in sheds, fences, and decking being destroyed by fire
• Embers from a barbecue landed on a shed, setting its contents ablaze
• Ash from a firepit set fire to a garage, despite being doused with water before disposing
• Lightning caused electrical items to break or malfunction, leading to fires in the home
Hannah Davidson, Senior Underwriting Manager at Aviva, says: “Although warmer weather is often welcome news, we’re urging people to remain vigilant when it comes to fire safety. The warm weather, paired with a lack of rain means that once started, a fire can spread very quickly – particularly as the ground is dry. Popular items in gardens, such as wooden fences and sheds, can be flammable, causing flames to spread quickly. A small fire in the garden can also spread to the home, causing significant damage.
“Whether it’s hosting friends for a barbecue, charging devices and tools outside or in the home, or even hanging a mirror outside in your garden for decoration, it’s worth paying close attention to what could become a potential fire hazard. With the average fire claim involving a garden amounting to almost £16,000 , it’s worth taking out home insurance if you haven’t already, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home and belongings are protected.”
To help people protect their homes, Aviva has prepared its top fire safety tips:
• Think twice before lighting bonfires - If you can, it’s best to avoid garden bonfires which can quickly get out of control, especially during dry and windy conditions. However, if you do light a fire, never leave it unattended and keep water or a hose nearby. Exercise caution with firepits and extinguish them before you go inside. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on fires in neighbouring gardens, in case they spread.
• Barbecue with caution - Before barbecuing, it’s worth checking the weather forecast for any windy weather which can make barbecuing significantly more dangerous. Gusts of wind can carry hot embers or sparks several feet away, increasing the possibility of a fire. When barbecuing, be mindful that ash can stay hot for days, so always wait until it’s cool before disposing. And, if you’re planning to use a disposable barbecue, always place these on a non-flammable or heat-resistant surface, away from grass, fences, or sheds and leave it there until it has cooled completely.
• Unplug appliances once charged - Overheating lithium-ion batteries can cause fires, so always unplug chargers once tools are fully charged and don’t charge devices overnight or leave them unattended.
• Watch your windowsills - Sunlight magnified through glass objects can start fires. Keep mirrors, bottles, and other reflective items away from direct sunlight.
• Dispose of cigarettes carefully - Cigarettes and matches can easily ignite dry grass or decking. Always extinguish them fully and dispose of them safely.
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