Overview of the causes of fire

According to the fire cause statistics of the Institute for Loss Prevention and Damage Research (IFS), the top 5 causes of fire in Germany are:

• Electricity,
• human error,
• arson,
• overheating
• and work involving a fire hazard.

 1. electricity: 

Defective electrical systems or improperly installed electrical installations can lead to fires. Overloaded circuits or damaged cables can cause overheating and thus ignite fires.

2. human error:

Carelessness when handling fire sources or electrical appliances can lead to fires. Forgetting to light candles, improper use of household appliances or smoking in unsafe areas are common causes of fire.

3. arson:

Intentional arson for various reasons such as revenge, insurance fraud or for psychological reasons is an unfortunate reality. Arson can cause immense damage and endanger human lives.

4. overheating:

Overheating of appliances such as heaters, ovens or electrical appliances can cause fires, especially if they are not properly maintained or are located near flammable materials.

5. work involving a fire hazard:

Work such as welding, soldering or other activities involving hot materials or flames are also common causes of fire, especially if safety precautions are not followed.

at a glance

The following tips are helpful for avoiding or minimizing the most common causes of fire at work and at home:

Tips for companies:

• Compliance with all fire safety regulations and regular risk assessments
• Installation and maintenance of technical and structural fire protection measures by specialist companies
• Training fire safety assistants and appointing fire safety officers (if necessary)
• Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems
• Conducting fire drills and raising employee awareness of fire risks and emergency procedures

Tips for the private sector:

• Avoid overloading circuits and use high-quality electrical appliances
• Check and replace damaged cables and plugs regularly
• Use smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in living areas
• Avoid careless handling of fire sources such as candles or cigarettes
• Keep escape routes clear and practice what to do in the event of a fire with your family (especially with children)

As a specialist company in preventive fire safety, we provide advice and support to companies throughout Germany.

From the planning and installation to the maintenance of fire protection measures, we offer comprehensive services to prevent fires and protect lives and property.