Workplace fires remain a serious safety and financial risk for businesses across the United Kingdom. From factories and warehouses to restaurants and office buildings, fires can cause significant property damage, operational disruption, and in the worst cases, injuries or fatalities.
Modern fire safety rules and improved prevention have reduced the number of fires over the past decade, but fires still occur every year. The latest data from GOV.UK and UK Fire and Rescue Services show that thousands of workplace fires are reported each year, so businesses need to stay alert.
This article examines the latest workplace fire statistics for 2025–2026, the main causes of business fires, and which types of workplaces are most at risk. It also explains what organisations can do to lower fire risks and keep people safe.
Key Workplace Fire Statistics (2025–2026)
Recent fire incident data highlights the scale and impact of fires across the UK. While not all fires occur in workplaces, a significant portion of building fires involve commercial or industrial premises.
Important statistics
● Fire and Rescue Services attended over 142,000 fires in England in the year ending March 2025.
● These incidents accounted for about 24% of the 603,942 emergency incidents handled by fire services during the same period.
● There were 271 fire-related fatalities recorded in England in 2025.
● Around 38,375 fires occurred in buildings, including workplaces, shops, restaurants, and other commercial sites.
● The number of fires attended by fire services has fallen by more than 8% compared with ten years ago, showing a gradual long-term decline.
Although these statistics cover all types of fires, workplace fires account for a significant share of the building fires attended each year. Businesses, therefore, remain one of the key areas where effective fire prevention measures are essential.
Workplace Fires in the UK Over the Past Decade
Over the last ten years, the number of workplace fires has generally declined due to better fire safety practices, improved equipment, and stricter regulations. However, fluctuations still occur due to economic activity, weather conditions, and industrial processes.
Below is a typical trend illustrating workplace fire incidents in England over the past decade.
2014/15 – 9,458
2015/16 – 9,347
2016/17 – 9,142
2017/18 – 9,000
2018/19 – 8,623
2019/20 – 8,133
2020/21 – 6,134
2021/22 – 7,345
2022/23 – 7,439
2023/24 – 7,033
2024/25 – 6,665
These figures show a roughly 25% decrease in workplace fires over the last decade, indicating progress in fire prevention.
However, the risks remain substantial because workplace environments often contain:
● Electrical systems
● Combustible materials
● Machinery and equipment
● Cooking facilities
● Flammable liquids or chemicals
● Even a small fire can result in major operational disruption or business closure.
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The Most Common Causes of Workplace Fires
Understanding the causes of workplace fires is essential for prevention. Many incidents occur due to equipment faults, human error, or poor maintenance.
1. Electrical Distribution and Equipment
Electrical faults are the leading cause of workplace fires, responsible for roughly 19% of incidents.
Common electrical fire risks include:
● Damaged wiring
● Overloaded power sockets
● Faulty appliances
● Improperly installed electrical systems
● Misuse of extension leads
Electrical fires typically occur when cables or components overheat, causing insulation to melt and ignite nearby materials.
Businesses should regularly inspect electrical systems and ensure that equipment is maintained by qualified electricians.
2. Cooking Appliances
Cooking equipment is the second most common cause of workplace fires, accounting for around 15% of incidents.
Workplaces particularly affected include:
● Restaurants
● Takeaways
● Cafés
● Catering facilities
● Hotel kitchens
Fires often occur when:
● Oil overheats
● Cooking equipment is left unattended
● Grease builds up in extraction systems
● Appliances malfunction
Proper ventilation systems, routine cleaning, and staff training can significantly reduce these risks.
3. Smoking Materials
Smoking-related materials such as cigarettes and lighters are responsible for approximately 7% of workplace fires.
These incidents often occur when:
● Cigarettes are discarded incorrectly
● Smoking takes place in prohibited areas
● Waste bins contain combustible materials
Implementing designated smoking areas and proper disposal bins can reduce this risk.
4. Domestic-Style Appliances
Domestic-style appliances such as kettles, microwaves, heaters, and refrigerators account for around 6% of workplace fires. These incidents often occur due to poor maintenance, electrical faults, overheating, or incorrect use. Regular inspection and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) can help identify faults early and ensure appliances remain safe to operate in the workplace.
5. Lighting Equipment
Lighting systems cause around 5% of workplace fires. Possible causes include:
● Faulty wiring
● Overheated bulbs
● Incorrect installation
● Flammable materials placed too close to lights
6. Hot Work Activities
Hot work activities include:
● Welding
● Cutting
● Grinding
● Blowlamps
Although these account for a smaller percentage of fires, they are considered high-risk. Research analysing more than 26,000 fire incidents found that hot work activities caused over 180 fires in 2024–2025, with welding responsible for most cases.
Hot work fires typically occur when sparks ignite nearby combustible materials.
Businesses Most at Risk of Workplace Fires
Certain industries experience a higher number of fire incidents due to the nature of their operations.
1. Industrial Premises
Industrial buildings account for around 24% of workplace fires, making them the most at-risk category.
Examples include:
● Manufacturing plants
● Warehouses
● Storage facilities
● Mines and quarries
● Vehicle repair workshops
These locations often contain combustible materials, heavy machinery, and electrical equipment, which increase fire risks.
2. Food and Drink Premises
Restaurants, cafés, bars, and takeaway establishments represent roughly 19% of workplace fires.
Commercial kitchens contain several fire hazards such as:
● Cooking oil
● Gas appliances
● High temperatures
● Grease accumulation
Strict hygiene and equipment maintenance procedures are essential in these environments.
3. Retail Premises
Retail buildings, including shops and supermarkets, account for around 17% of workplace fires.
Risks in retail environments include:
● Electrical equipment
● Storage of packaging materials
● Lighting systems
● Heating systems
Large retail spaces also require effective evacuation procedures to protect customers and staff.
4. Hotels and Hospitality
Hotels, hostels, and boarding houses represent about 8% of workplace fires.
These premises contain sleeping accommodation, which increases the risk to life if a fire occurs.
5. Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, and care homes account for roughly 7% of workplace fires. Fire prevention is particularly important in healthcare settings because many occupants may have limited mobility.
The Financial Impact of Workplace Fires
Workplace fires can have serious financial consequences for businesses beyond the immediate safety risks. A fire may cause extensive damage to buildings, machinery, and stock, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Businesses may also face operational downtime, resulting in lost revenue and disrupted services.
Companies may also face legal issues, increased insurance claims, and lasting reputational damage. For small and medium-sized businesses, it can be very hard to recover from a major fire. Even small fires might stop operations for weeks or months.
How Businesses Can Reduce Fire Risk
To prevent workplace fires, it is important to take a proactive approach. This means having good safety management, dependable fire protection equipment, and employees who know what to do. When businesses spot hazards early and put the right safety measures in place, they can greatly reduce the risk of fire and keep people and property safe.
Regular Fire Risk Assessments
Early detection is essential for preventing serious damage. Workplaces should install reliable fire detection and alarm systems that include smoke detectors, heat detectors, automatic alarm alerts, and emergency lighting. These systems provide early warnings so employees can evacuate quickly and emergency services can respond promptly.
Accessible Fire Extinguishers
Making sure you have the right fire extinguisher is a key part of keeping your workplace safe. Choose water, foam, CO₂, or dry powder extinguishers based on the types of fire risks you might face. Be sure to label them clearly, place them where people can reach them easily, and check them regularly to ensure they work when needed.
Clear Evacuation Plans
Every workplace should have a clear evacuation plan to ensure employees can exit the building safely during a fire. Plans should identify emergency exit routes, designated assembly points, and the responsibilities of fire wardens. Regular fire drills help staff become familiar with procedures and reduce panic during real emergencies.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Business After a Fire
Despite improved safety standards, workplace fires still cause serious disruption for businesses across the UK each year. Fires can damage property, halt operations, and lead to costly repairs, making it essential for business owners to both reduce risks and understand how to respond if an incident occurs.
If your premises are affected, specialist support can make a major difference. Property Claim Assist’s commercial fire insurance loss assessors help businesses manage commercial property fire insurance claims, ensuring owners receive proper compensation so they can repair damage and get their business back on its feet as quickly as possible.
