As the UK prepares for temperatures exceeding 30°C, Chorlton Fireworks has issued a fire safety warning about the increased risk posed by everyday household items during periods of extreme heat. Items such as aerosol cans, lithium-ion batteries, gas canisters, fireworks, and certain cleaning chemicals can become unstable or flammable in confined, heat-prone environments like sheds, garages, lofts, and parked cars.
Household Items Posing Fire Hazards
Aerosol products, including deodorants and air fresheners, can rupture or ignite when exposed to high temperatures. Lithium batteries found in e-cigarettes and portable devices have been linked to domestic fires. Gas canisters used for barbecues and camping are sensitive to heat and may experience pressure build-up. Unused fireworks stored after seasonal events and certain cleaning products like bleach also pose risks when kept in overheated or poorly ventilated conditions.
Safety Precautions
The insurance industry continues to monitor weather-linked risks, including those from prolonged heat exposure. Insurers are expected to review underwriting strategies and customer guidance as warmer temperatures become more common and claims patterns shift. With forecasts suggesting increasingly frequent heatwaves, both fire services and insurers are encouraging awareness around household safety during high-temperature periods.
According to the latest Home Office data, more than 27,000 dwelling fires were recorded in England in 2023. While not all were weather-related, fire services have reported increased activity during warmer months, often linked to improper storage of flammable or pressurized items. The warning coincides with growing concerns across the insurance sector about the impact of heat-related incidents on property claims.
