In a concerning trend, the Cambridgeshire and Fire Rescue Service (CFRS) has reported a significant spike in fire incidents, marking a five-year high. In March alone, the service responded to over 160 fires, a dramatic increase from 111 reported in the same month of the previous year. The trend continues into April with more than 200 fires compared to just 131 in 2024. Overall, the firefighting service has documented a 13% increase in incidents over the past year, reaching a total of 1,911 incidents across the county.
James Ball, head of community fire safety at CFRS, expressed that this sharp rise is undoubtedly alarming and poses serious risks to public safety. The service highlighted that many of these incidents transpired in residential settings, primarily kitchens, often resulting from cooking activities or faulty appliances. Additionally, firefighting crews responded to around 200 outdoor fires during this period, with a notable focus on those suspected to be deliberately set.
Among the alarming incidents, CFRS recounted a peculiar fire incident in Huntingdonshire, where a vanity mirror reflected sunlight, igniting a fire that caused considerable damage. Mr. Ball advised residents on essential fire safety measures, underscoring the importance of utilizing the online home fire safety check tool provided by the service to enhance home safety. He noted that as the weather warms and residents begin preparing their gardens for summer, the risk of household fires often escalates.
Furthermore, Mr. Ball warned that incidents linked to kitchen appliances, like air fryers, inadvertently activated by hot cooking surfaces, are becoming more frequent. To mitigate the risks of deliberate fires, he urged the public to store lighters and matches away from children and to ensure kids avoid abandoned or dilapidated buildings. CFRS's alarming findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilant fire safety practices within the community.
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