The UK has experienced its sunniest spring on record, with 630 hours of sunshine recorded between March 1 and May 27, according to the Met Office. However, this warm weather has led to an increase in garden fire claims, with Aviva reporting that April and May saw the highest number of claims this year. The average cost of a garden fire claim is nearly £16,000. The rise in fire claims is partly attributed to the increase in people enjoying barbecues and bonfires in their gardens during the warmer weather.
Aviva warns that lightning strikes can also spark fires in homes and gardens, and can cause electrical items to malfunction, leading to fires. The insurer has seen examples of fires caused by garden bonfires, barbecues, and fire pits, including sheds, fencing, and decking being destroyed, and embers from a barbecue landing on a shed and setting its contents ablaze.
To reduce the risk of a fire in your home or garden, Aviva has issued several safety tips. These include avoiding garden bonfires, keeping water or a hose nearby if you do light a fire, and exercising caution with fire pits and extinguishing them before going inside. The insurer also advises checking the weather forecast before barbecuing, as windy conditions can make barbecuing more dangerous. Additionally, Aviva warns that overheating lithium-ion batteries can cause fires, and advises unplugging chargers once tools are fully charged.
Other safety tips include disposing of cigarettes carefully, keeping mirrors and other reflective items away from direct sunlight, and keeping an eye on fires in neighboring gardens. Aviva also recommends being mindful of ash from barbecues, which can stay hot for days, and waiting until it has cooled before disposing of it.
By following these safety tips, homeowners can reduce the risk of a fire in their home or garden and avoid the potentially costly consequences. As Senior Underwriting Manager at Aviva, Hannah Davidson, said: “Although warmer weather is often welcome news, we’re urging people to remain vigilant when it comes to fire safety.” It is essential to be aware of the potential fire hazards in your home and garden, and to take steps to mitigate them. By doing so, you can enjoy the warm weather while minimizing the risk of a fire.