How to prevent fires in your home

We all want to keep our homes safe, but house fires are still one of the most common types of home insurance claims – and many are preventable. Between July 2023 and June 2024, Apia received over 300 claims for house fires.

We've also seen an increase in the damage caused by house fires due to :

• a rising popularity of open-plan home designs
• building materials that are more flammable, and
• an increase in household appliances with lithium batteries.

So whether you're a homeowner, renter, or landlord, learn the most common reasons for a house fire to help you prevent one on your property.

Get an Apia Home & Contents Insurance quote

Outdoor BBQs

Backyard barbecues are a great way to spend time with friends and family, but gas bottles can pose a serious fire risk if they’re not connected correctly. Regularly check and maintain your barbecue’s fittings and connections, and always turn off the gas bottle when the barbecue isn’t in use.

Poor-quality phone chargers

A cheaper, non-branded charger might seem like a good option, but it may not deliver the correct voltage and can be made from low-quality materials. This can increase the risk of electric shock or the charger overheating and catching fire. Instead, buy chargers from reputable retailers or the device manufacturer.

To reduce the risk of fire, avoid overloading power points and power boards by plugging in too many devices at once.

Lithium battery-powered items

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, from phones and laptops to vacuums and e-bikes. With their growing popularity, the average Australian household is expected to own 33 lithium-powered devices within the next two years.

For more information, visit our Lithium-Ion Battery usage guide.

Candles, cigarettes and e-cigarettes/vapes

Open flames, such as candles and lighters, can easily start a fire. Keep them away from children, pets and flammable items like books and curtains, and always extinguish candles before leaving the room.

If you use e-cigarettes or vapes, charge and store them carefully as they contain highly flammable lithium batteries. If you smoke, use a deep ashtray and never smoke in bed, as you could fall asleep and accidentally set fire to bedding.

Unattended cooking equipment

To help reduce the risk of fire and avoid potential damage to your home, it’s a good idea to stay in the kitchen while cooking, as unattended pots and pans can quickly overheat. When you’re finished, take a moment to check that the stove or oven is turned off.

Keeping flammable items such as tea towels, oven mitts and wooden utensils away from hot surfaces can also help lower the risk of accidental fires.

Household appliances

Households have a range of electrical appliances, but they’re not always serviced regularly or replaced when they start to malfunction. Common appliances that may cause a fire include:

• dishwashers
• toasters
• kettles
• fridges
• washing machines, and
• dryers.

Dryers can be a fire risk if lint builds up in the lint filter, so follow your user manual for advice on how and when to clean it.

If you’re heading to bed or going out, avoid running the dryer, washing machine or dishwasher so these appliances aren’t operating unattended. It’s also a good idea to regularly check cords and plugs for damage and unplug appliances when they’re not in use.

Storage in garages and sheds

Fires can start in garages and sheds, as these areas are often used to store flammable liquids and lithium battery-powered items. Many garages and sheds also don’t have heat or smoke alarms, so consider installing one to alert you to a potential fire.

Incorrectly stored flammable liquids and chemicals

Flammable liquids such as petrol or methylated spirits can catch fire if kept near a heat source and some pool chemicals can explode if stored incorrectly. Always store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from exposure to moisture and heat.

Decorative and fairy lights

Festive lights bring a bit of holiday spirit into your home. But if they’re left on for long periods, they can overheat and become a fire risk. Switch off decorative and fairy lights when you leave the house or before you go to bed.

Solar panel installations

Solar panels are becoming increasingly common across Australia as homeowners look to lower energy costs and live more sustainably. While the fire risk is generally low when systems are installed and maintained correctly, there are some ways to keep your fire risk to a minimum.

It’s important to follow best practices and work with reputable installers to reduce the risk of solar panel fires. Here are some other helpful tips:

• Use licensed installers accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
• Choose high-quality, certified solar equipment.
• Consider systems with built-in safety features, such as DC optimisers.
• Install a solar isolator switch to quickly disconnect the system if needed.
• Regular maintenance is highly recommended, even though state and territory electrical safety laws do not always require it.

Keep your home insurance up to date

It's important to protect your home against everyday events and natural hazards. That’s why all Apia Home Insurance policies include cover for loss or damage as a result of fire and bushfire* as well as malicious damage and theft.

Limits, conditions and exclusions apply, so read the PDS for full details about what is and is not covered.

We also offer cover for:

• Temporary accommodation, including utility costs, for you and your pets if your home is damaged and cannot be lived in.
• Replacement of your plants, trees and garden beds.
• Environmental improvements, such as a rainwater tank or solar system, if your home is severely damaged and did not previously have environmental equipment.^

So check the cover you have in place is suitable for your home and contents. If you have an Apia insurance policy, you can and update your insurance policy details via Apia Online Services or by calling 13 50 50.

Review and update my policy

Read more:

• 5 things that could void your home and contents insurance
  
• The pros and cons of downsizing your home
  
• How water damage can impact your home
  

* We do not insure bushfire, storm, storm surge, flood or tsunami in the first 72 hours of your policy. Very limited exceptions apply.

^ Limits, conditions and exclusions apply, read the PDS for full details about what is and is not covered.

Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency Pty LtdABN 14 099 650 996 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to apia.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available.

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