Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra care after a sharp rise in incidents this summer, with crews reporting almost 20 per cent more fires compared to last year.
Figures show that in July alone, firefighters were called to 262 fires across the county, up from 187 in the same month last year and above the five-year average of 225. Over the past 12 months, fire incidents have risen by almost 20 per cent, with most months showing an increase compared with 2024.
House fires are also up by around ten per cent, with half starting in the kitchen. Distractions while cooking and the use of hobs as storage are among the common causes. The Service says pets have even been known to switch hobs on accidentally, sparking blazes involving nearby items.
Outdoor fires saw one of the sharpest increases in July, with 165 incidents recorded – more than 75 per cent higher than last year. Of those, 65 were started deliberately. Fire officers have warned that arson remains a serious crime that can quickly put lives at risk and place extra pressure on resources.
Residents are being encouraged to use the Service’s online home fire safety check tool, which provides personalised advice and risk assessments. For vulnerable households, in-person safety visits are also available, with more carried out in the past year than ever before.
Communities are also being asked to support prevention efforts by keeping rubbish and bulky waste out of sight, fitting security lighting, and ensuring children understand the dangers of fire. Parents in particular are urged to keep lighters and matches away from youngsters and to discourage them from entering disused buildings.
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