Fire service records five-year high in incidents

A fire service has said incidents across the county have been at a record five-year high.

Cambridgeshire and Fire Rescue Service (CFRS) said it attended to more than 160 fires in March, compared with 111 the previous year, and more than 200 fires in April, compared with 131 in 2024.

It recorded a 13% increase in incidents overall in the last 12 months, with 1,911 across the county.

James Ball, the head of community fire safety at the service, said: "This is a sharp rise and certainly a cause for concern."

The service added the five-year average for incidents recorded for March was about 135 and 162 for April.

CFRS said many of these fires had happened in a house, mostly starting in the kitchen due to cooking or appliances.

It added its firefighters had responded to 200 outdoor fires over this period of time, many of which were started deliberately.

Crews attended a fire recently in Huntingdonshire involving a vanity mirror, which reflected the sunlight and had started a fire that caused significant damage.

Mr Ball said: "One way residents can help keep themselves and their families safe in their homes is to use our online home fire safety check tool.

"We often see fires increase as the weather changes, with people getting their gardens ready for the summer.

"We have seen a few incidents recently where appliances, such as air fryers, are being heated up by a hob being accidentally switched on.

"There are precautions people can take to help reduce the risk of a deliberate fire.

"Things like making sure that lighters and matches are kept well out of reach of children, as well as making sure [children] stay clear of disused or derelict buildings, can also make a big difference."

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