Main causes of fire in the home
Find out the main causes of home fires, and how to charge and store e-bikes and e-scooters safely.
The fire service advises that most fires in the home occur due to carelessness or misuse of electrical or gas appliances.
More than half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.
Other main causes of home fires include:
- careless use of matches and cigarettes
- candles
- airing clothes on or near fans and space heaters
- not using fireguards
- covering storage or convector heaters
- using portable heaters close to curtains
- faulty electrics including faulty appliances, faulty wiring and overloaded sockets
Take care when using any of the above in your home.
Fire safety advice for e-bikes and e-scooters
E-bikes and e-scooters are increasingly popular but they're also a fire risk. There's an increasing number of reports nationally of fires caused by the batteries of e-bikes and e-scooters.
Charging e-bikes and e-scooters safely
To reduce the risk of fires, you should:
- always follow the instructions for charging and unplug when done
- install working smoke or heat alarms where you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter
- only charge batteries when you're awake and at home
- use the charger that came with your e-bike or e-scooter, and replace it if it's damaged
You should not:
- cover chargers or batteries while charging
- charge or store near flammable materials
- overcharge your battery, check the instructions for charge times
- overload sockets or use the wrong extension leads
If there's a fire, do not try to put it out. Leave the house, stay outside, and phone 999.
Read Sussex Police’s advice on e-scooters.
Storing e-bikes and e-scooters safely
To reduce the risk of fires, you should:
- store e-bikes and e-scooters in a cool place, avoid hot or cold areas
- follow instructions for storing and maintaining batteries if not in use for a long time
Do not store or charge e-bikes and e-scooters in escape routes or communal areas.