More than 1,100 NI house fires in last three years caused by faulty electrics

Cooking appliances have been revealed as the leading cause of electrical house fires across Northern Ireland, new figures show.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has been called out to more than 1,600 electrical fires in the last three years, an investigation has revealed.

Figures obtained by Legal Expert show that of those, more than 1,100 (68 per cent) happened in domestic properties with ovens and cookers found to be the leading appliances to cause electrical house fires across the region. Around 4,000 house fires across the UK every year are caused by faulty electrics, according to the UK Home Office.

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Legal Expert’s investigation has found that between 2021 and 2024, Northern Ireland fire crews attended 1,621 fires caused by electricals alone. Of those, 1,110 were in domestic properties (homes) - while 311 were in commercial properties such as office buildings.

A further 200 electrical blazes were recorded as taking place in ‘other locations’ which could include in vehicles and outdoors. The NIFRS revealed the leading cause of electrical fires in the last three years are cooking appliances, accounting for 417 electrical blazes in the home.

'Other domestic-style appliances' were the second most common cause of electrical house fires, these include toasters, grills and microwave ovens. Aside from appliances, faulty electricity supply was revealed as being responsible for 675 electrical fires in the home since 2021.

The fire service also confirmed that in the last three years, there have been nine deaths as a result of electrical fires as well as 258 victims who sustained either serious or slight injuries.

In the run-up to Christmas, fire services across the UK are releasing their latest advice and guidance about how to stay safe during the festive period. The NIFRS has also issued its annual ‘stay safe this Christmas’ message to residents which includes a specific warning about electrical products.

A NIFRS spokesperson said: “Electrical items have the potential to overheat and start a fire in the home. Reduce this risk by switching off items when not in use, and don’t charge items longer than the manufacturers recommend. If you are using extra portable hearings during the winter months, make sure they are kept away from soft furnishings and Christmas decorations.”

The NIFRS is also warning all residents to remain vigilant this festive season especially when it comes to electrical products, adding: “Check your Christmas lights are in good working order before using. Look for the British Standard kite mark to ensure that your lights meet the appropriate standard.”

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