Most Common Cause of UK Fires?

Most Common Cause of UK Fires?

Arson is still the most common cause of fire in the UK, according to Aviva’s commercial claims data.

The data shows that 1 in 5 fires were caused by arson, year-on-year since 2005, ahead of any other cause of fire, such as: electrical fault, heating appliances, own trade processes or smoking materials.

Allister Smith, property risk manager for Aviva, said: "Although fire claims fell across all categories last year, we are still seeing a large number of arson claims crossing our desks.

"The latest ABI report on the cost of fire damage shows that even though the number of incidents of fire in the UK has slightly fallen, the actual financial costs of fires rose to a record high of £1.3 billion in 2008. The average cost of fire claims more than doubled between 2002 and 2008. It is easy to say that you can’t prevent a determined arsonist, but the reality is that the vast majority of arson attacks can either be deterred or their effects controlled. All businesses are potential targets for deliberate fires. Aviva carries out 35,000 property insurance surveys every year, and the majority of these will take place at commercial premises and will include an arson risk assessment. As arson is not always a visible danger, special consideration must be taken to spot potential risks and appropriate measures taken to remove or reduce the risks."

Many risk management measures can be introduced to deter fire setting, and often at little or no cost to a business. For example:

• keep rubbish bins at least 10m from the building
• raw materials should be delivered to the site on an ‘as-needed’ basis
• take steps to make sure all doors and windows are secured at the end of each day
• safely store any flammable materials.

Mr Smith explains:

"In commercial properties, many malicious fires occur in storerooms and warehouses where there are often few staff to witness the crime being committed or to discover the fire during its early stages. In such areas there is often a plentiful supply of flammable materials, and racks or stacked items left against walls provide both cover for the arsonist and fuel for the fire.

"Many large fires are started out of business hours, often at night. Where premises are not continuously occupied, a named individual should be made responsible for securing the building at the end of each working day. Doors and windows should be secure, alarm systems on, and combustible materials and flammable liquids safely stored away. It is not surprising that a significant proportion of businesses fail following a determined arson attack. Preventing or reacting to small incidents can avoid a major loss happening."

Workplace Law
July 2010