Recent data released by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service highlights a concerning trend for homeowners in Basingstoke and Deane: cooking appliances were the leading cause of house fires between September 2024 and September 2025.
During that 12-month period:
- 46 house fires were recorded across RG21, RG22, RG23 and RG24
- 21 were caused by cooking appliances such as cookers, hot plates and toasters
- Seven people were injured
- One person sadly lost their life
That means approximately 40% of all house fires locally started in the kitchen.
As a local electrical contractor working throughout Basingstoke, Chineham, Winklebury, South Ham, Brighton Hill and surrounding areas, we believe this is information every homeowner should understand.
Where Are These Fires Happening?
The report shows fires occurred across the borough:
- RG22 (Buckskin, South Ham, Brighton Hill) – 15 fires
- RG21 (Town Centre, Fairfields, Black Dam) – 14 fires
- RG24 (Chineham, Sherborne St John, Popley) – 10 fires
- RG23 (Winklebury, Houndmills) – 7 fires
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service attended almost one house fire per week across these postcode areas.
In nine additional cases, the ignition source was listed as “not known,” meaning the true number of cooking-related fires may actually be higher.
Why Do Kitchen Fires Start So Easily?
Across Hampshire, around 50% of accidental home fires start in the kitchen. The reasons are often simple — and preventable.
Common causes include:
- Pans left unattended
- Overheated oil or grease
- Tea towels or packaging too close to hobs
- Electrical leads trailing near hot surfaces
- Distractions such as phones or doorbells
The fire service promotes two key reminders:
“Keep looking while cooking.”
“Turn off the heat before you eat.”
Straightforward advice — but incredibly important.
The Electrical Safety Connection
While cooking behaviour is one factor, electrical safety plays a significant role in fire prevention.
The same report identified additional ignition sources including:
- Phone chargers
- Electrical heaters
- Tumble dryers and washing machines
- Faulty wiring, cables and plugs
- Appliances overheating
Modern homes now demand far more electricity than older installations were designed to handle.
In many Basingstoke properties — particularly those built before modern regulations — we often see:
- Older consumer units without RCBO protection
- Overloaded socket circuits
- Kitchens extended without electrical upgrades
- Loose connections behind appliances
- DIY additions or outdated wiring
These issues significantly increase fire risk.
How Wessex Electrical Services Ltd Helps Reduce Risk
At Wessex Electrical Services Ltd, we actively help homeowners across Basingstoke and North Hampshire reduce electrical fire risks through:
✔ Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
An EICR identifies overheating connections, deteriorating wiring, overloaded circuits and non-compliant installations before they become dangerous.
✔ Consumer Unit Upgrades
Modern consumer units with individual RCBO protection isolate faults quickly, reducing the risk of both fire and electric shock.
✔ Safe Cooker & Appliance Installation
High-load appliances must be correctly rated, properly protected and installed in accordance with current UK regulations.
✔ Additional Socket Installation
By installing additional sockets, this reduces reliance on extension leads and multi-block adaptors improves safety and reduces overheating risks.
Extra Care for Vulnerable Residents
The report also highlights that more than a third of cooking-related fires involve lone pensioners.
If you have elderly relatives living in RG21, RG22, RG23 or RG24, it may be worth checking:
- Smoke alarms are tested regularly
- Heat alarms are installed in kitchens
- Appliances are in good working order
- Electrical installations are inspected periodically
Small preventative steps can make a significant difference.
Fire Prevention Starts with Awareness
The reality is this:
Kitchen fires are often preventable.
Safe habits matter. But so does a safe electrical installation.
If your consumer unit is outdated, your kitchen electrics haven’t been checked in years, or you’ve added appliances without upgrading circuits, it may be time to take action.
Electrical safety isn’t about scaremongering — it’s about protecting your family, your property and your peace of mind.
Professional Electrical Services in Basingstoke
Wessex Electrical Services Ltd provides professional electrical services throughout:
Basingstoke
Chineham
Sherborne St John
Winklebury
South Ham
Brighton Hill
And surrounding Hampshire areas
Here at Wessex Electrical Services we are fully qualified, experienced and committed to carrying out work safely, correctly and in line with current UK standards.
If you would like advice, an electrical safety check, or a consumer unit assessment, we are happy to help. 01256 957360
