Fire Service dealt with 426 fires caused by white goods last year

More needs to be done to keep people safe from electrical fires says Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Electrical Safety First

While there has been a general drop in accidental domestic fires in Wales, the exception are fires with an electrical source.  Domestic electrical white goods, such as dishwashers, tumble dryers, and fridge freezers are responsible for over half of all electrical fires in Wales. In the last five years, 797 fires were caused by white goods, the equivalent of over three fires each week.

Last year in Mid and West Wales there were 868 of fires and 426 of these were caused by white goods.

Electrical Safety First and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have some simple tips to help people use white goods in their homes safely:

1.      Always buy from a reputable dealer/manufacturer and never buy second-hand white goods.

2.      Always register your appliance with the manufacturer so you can be notified if there’s a problem. Visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/registration to find out more.

3.      Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.      If you’re concerned about an appliance in your home, use Electrical Safety First’s online product checker to see if it has been recalled.

5.      Visit www.whitegoodsafety.com for advice on using your appliances safely.

Robert Jervis-Gibbons, Public Affairs Manager at Electrical Safety First commented:

“Although there has been a general drop in domestic fires in Wales, it is extremely worrying to see an increase in those caused by electricity. Faulty appliances and installations along with the misuse of electricity are amongst the major causes of these electrical fires, leading to avoidable deaths and injuries. And with more than three fires each week in Wales caused by white goods, the Government needs to take immediate action to reduce this figure.”

Station Manager, Will Bowen at MAWWFRS said:

“A high number of fires in Mid and West Wales are caused by the misuse of electrical appliances and these can be easily prevented. A house fire can have devastating and long term effects, not only destroying belongings and memories but also putting you and your loved ones at risk. We are urging everybody to follow our simple advice that will help them to stay safe in their homes “.

For more advice and safety tips on protecting your home from electrical fires and accidents visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/saferhomes, or search #SaferWales on social media.