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Workplace fires: Common causes and statistics
Published December 18, 2024
The following information has been compiled to shed light on the significant fire risks UK businesses face. All data was sourced from the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services and is the most up-to-date data available at the time of publishing.
Key workplace fire statistics
There were 7,000 workplace fires in 2023/24
The number of workplace fires has fallen by 25% in the past 10 years
15% of workplace fires are started deliberately
A quarter of all workplace fires happen at industrial premesis
Faulty electrical equipment is the biggest cause of workplace fires
Workplace fires in the UK
Workplace fires remain a significant threat to UK businesses. In 2023/24, there were approximately 7,000 workplace fires recorded, marking a significant decline of 25% over the past decade. This downward trend, however positive, should not lull businesses into complacency as fire remains a significant risk for all businesses, regardless of size or industry.
| Year | Total workplace fires |
|---|---|
| 2014/15 | 9,458 |
| 2015/16 | 9,347 |
| 2016/17 | 9,142 |
| 2017/18 | 9,000 |
| 2018/19 | 8,623 |
| 2019/20 | 8,133 |
| 2020/21 | 6,134 |
| 2021/22 | 7,345 |
| 2022/23 | 7,439 |
| 2023/24 | 7,033 |
Workplace fires in England in the past 10 years
Causes of workplace fires
The leading cause of workplace fires in the UK is faulty or misused electrical equipment, accounting for almost a fifth (19%) of incidents. This encompasses a range of causes, with electrical wiring, cabling, and plugs being the main culprits. Damaged or worn-out wires, overloaded circuits, and improper use of extension cords can all lead to overheating, sparking, and ultimately, a fire.
| Cause of Fire | Percentage of fires |
|---|---|
| Electrical distribution | 19% |
| Cooking appliances | 15% |
| Smoking related materials | 7% |
| Other domestic style appliance | 6% |
| Electric lighting | 5% |
| Space heating appliances | 3% |
| Blowlamps, welding and cutting equipment | 2% |
| Matches and Candles | 2% |
| Office equipment | 1% |
| Unspecified / Other | 40% |
Leading causes of workplace fires in the UK
Businesses most at risk of fire
1. Industrial
Just under a quarter (24%) of all workplace fires occur at industrial premises, making it the most at-risk type of property. This includes manufacturing facilities, mines and quarries, vehicle repair workshops, warehouses, storage facilities and other industrial buildings.
2. Food and drink
Food drink premises such as commercial kitchens, restaurants, cafes, and takeaway food outlets account for 19% of all workplace fires.
3. Retail
Shops, supermarkets, department stores, shopping centres, and other retail establishments make up 17% of all workplace fires.
| Building type | Total fires | Percentage of total fires |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial premises | 1,713 | 24% |
| Food and drink premises | 1,330 | 19% |
| Retail premises | 1,197 | 17% |
| Hotels, boarding houses, hostels etc. | 587 | 8% |
| Hospitals and medical care | 500 | 7% |
| Agricultural premises | 476 | 7% |
| Education premises | 451 | 6% |
| Entertainment, culture and sport | 392 | 6% |
| Offices and call centres | 387 | 6% |
| Total | 7,033 | |
Workplace fires in England in 2023/24 by building type
UK businesses can improve fire safety by:
- Conducting regular fire risk assessments
- Ensuring proper fire alarm and detection systems
- Providing adequate fire extinguishers
- Developing and practicing evacuation plans
- Providing fire safety training
Useful resources:
- GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities
- National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC): https://nfcc.org.uk/
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