3 Common Causes of Fire in Care Homes
Understanding what causes fires in care homes is the first step toward creating safer, more resilient environments. We’ve selected three common risks that account for a significant portion of fire incidents in care homes based on UK data and preventive steps you can take to create safer environments for residents.
1. Cooking and Kitchen Appliances
Cooking remains the leading cause of fires in residential care settings, with approximately 41% of fires being linked to cooking and cookers and a further 21% attributed to kitchen appliances. Grease build-up, unattended frying, and faulty ovens or extractors can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations.
Preventative measures for kitchen fires in care homes
We support care homes with comprehensive fire risk assessments, ensuring kitchen areas meet current safety standards. We supply and maintain essential fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers and fire blankets, ensuring they’re correctly positioned and compliant with regulations. While specialist kitchen services like extraction system cleaning and deep-fat fryer safety upgrades may require additional providers, we can help identify these risks during routine assessments and advise on the next steps.
2. Smoking-Related Fires in Care Homes
In care homes, 13% of fires are smoking-related. Smoking materials remain a persistent danger in care homes and are caused by the careless disposal of cigarettes and unattended ashtrays.
Preventative measures for smoking-related fires in care homes
We offer comprehensive fire risk assessments tailored to care-home environments, covering detection systems, evacuation procedures, staff readiness, and overall equipment compliance. While designated smoking zones, fire‑resistant disposal units, or smoke detectors tailored to smoking areas aren’t specifically part of our services, such risks can still be identified during our assessments.
3. Electrical and Appliance Faults in Care Homes
Electrical faults, including overloaded sockets, damaged appliances, outdated wiring, and electrical items being placed too close to flammable materials, are a persistent issue in many buildings, including care homes.
Preventative Measures for Electrical Fire Risks in Care Homes
We offer a comprehensive suite of services that align with the specific requirements of care homes, including PAT testing, electrical safety measures, cable management solutions, and L1-grade fire alarm installations, which are considered the gold standard for care homes.
Further Actions to Protect Residents From Fires in Care Homes
At Arundel Firecare, Security & Electrical, we understand the unique fire safety challenges faced by care homes. Our expert team works closely with care home staff to ensure compliance, safety, and peace of mind through:
Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments
We carry out in-depth, sector-specific Fire Risk Assessments aligned with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, addressing everything from evacuation routes to resident-specific risks.
Installation and Maintenance of Fire Safety Systems
From fire alarms (including systems compliant with BS 5839-1 standards) to extinguishers and emergency lighting, we install and maintain the vital equipment needed to protect vulnerable residents.
Professional Fire Safety Training for Care Home Staff
Our qualified trainers deliver on-site fire safety courses, including Fire Warden/Marshal training, helping staff respond effectively in emergencies.
Electrical Safety Testing and Support
We provide PAT testing, fixed wire testing, and NICEIC-certified electrical services to help reduce risks associated with portable and installed electrical equipment. By working with experts, care homes can transform awareness of what causes fires in care homes into real-world fire safety improvements.
Together, with the right preventive measures in place to protect against fire-related incidents in care homes, we can improve the safety of residents and staff.
Want to learn more about our services? Get in touch, we’d be more than happy to help.