Find out how safe your area is – Fire service reveals top places for kitchen fires in Essex
With nearly half of all home fires starting in the kitchen, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has released the latest figures on kitchen fires attended across the county in 2024, to raise awareness and help residents stay safe ahead Cooking Safety Month.
From January to December 2024, ECFRS attended 439 kitchen fires across Essex.
Southend-On-Sea: 61 fires
Basildon: 58 fires
Tendring: 46 fires
Thurrock: 44 fires
Colchester: 40 fires
Chelmsford: 34 fires
Braintree: 28 fires
Epping Forest: 23 fires
Harlow: 22 fires
Castle Point: 21 fires
Rochford: 20 fires
Maldon: 15 fires
Brentwood: 14 fires
Uttlesford: 12 fires
Claire Monk, Live Safe Manager for the Service said: "By taking simple steps like never leaving cooking unattended and keeping items like tea towels away from the hob we can all play a role in reducing risks.
"We’re proud of the preventative work we do, but these figures show there’s still work to be done. Cooking is something we all do every day, and it’s easy to become complacent. We’re urging everyone to take the time to check their safety habits this month."
Top tips for staying safe in the kitchen:
- Stay alert: Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using oil or high temperatures.
- Keep it clean: Regularly clean your hob, oven, and extractor fan to prevent grease build-up.
- Avoid distractions: Put down your phone and focus on cooking to avoid accidents.
- Have a plan: Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and know what to do if a fire starts.
Online Home Fire Safety Check
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In just a few minutes, you can complete a simple check and get practical, personalised tips to help keep your family and home safe.
🔍 Start your online home safety check today: essex-fire.gov.uk/online