Heatwave caution – experts highlight garden furniture’s hidden fire risk this summer
- Expert reveals top tips to keep garden furniture safe with temperatures predicted to soar again this summer
- Heatwave in 2022 saw reports of garden furniture setting on fire, highlighting the importance of furniture fire safety awareness
Experts have warned that Brits should prepare themselves for potential fire hazards in their gardens and on their patios as the UK faces the possibility of another scorching summer.
The warning from GB Foam, a UK furniture component expert, comes after the UK faced a staggering 28% increase in fires in 2022, with 185,437 incidents reported according to GOV UK. The unprecedented dry weather of last summer caused by record-breaking heat helped fuel the alarming surge.
Alongside commonly acknowledged fire dangers such as barbeques and fire pits, the experts have highlighted how garden furniture is an often overlooked aspect of outdoor fire safety.
Incidents last year demonstrated that some furniture may not be capable of withstanding extreme heat, as Kirsty Gawne from Stockbridge village discovered during the hottest day ever on UK record, when her £400 outdoor rattan sofa from Homebase set alight, causing significant damage to her home.
Speaking to reporters at the time, she said ‘Firefighters told me they think the furniture couldn’t deal with the crazy heat and burst into flames. They said something about seeing a few incidents like this.’
Also last year, Aldi announced that certain garden furniture it had sold posed a fire risk due to an issue with the cushion covers, and would therefore need to send replacements for the items.
As Brits prepare for another summer of high temperatures, the experts at GB Foam have provided their top tips to mitigate the risk of fires in outdoor spaces:
- Check for fire safety labels on furniture: Look for fire safety labels that indicate legal compliance with UK standards. If uncertain, consult your furniture supplier for clarification.
- Remove glass tops from furniture in extreme heat: If possible, some manufacturers advise removing glass tops from tables, as they can intensify heat in direct sunlight, leading to melting or burning.
- Exercise caution with garden mirrors: When mirrors reflect sun rays, they concentrate energy. This could be enough to cause combustion when directed at flammable materials.
- Maintain a safe distance around BBQs and fire pits: Keep flammable materials at a safe distance from BBQs and fire pits and have an appropriate fire extinguishing source at hand.
- Extinguish cigarettes responsibly: Smokers should ensure cigarettes are properly extinguished and disposed of in designated containers. Refrain from discarding them on the ground or in vegetation.
- Maintain vegetation: Trim and water trees, shrubs and grass in your outdoor areas regularly to minimise the risk of fire. Clear away dry debris which could fuel potential grass fires.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms: Make sure to have working smoke alarms not only throughout your home but also in outdoor spaces like sheds or garages. Test them monthly and replace batteries as necessary.
- Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to heat can cause a chain reaction in your phone’s battery causing it to set alight. To prevent this, keep your phone away from direct sunlight for long periods of time as well as away from potentially flammable surfaces like cushions and throws. Power banks can cause a similar reaction in high temperatures, so charge your phone in a cooler environment.
- Source replacement cushion filling responsibly: If replacing the filling for your outdoor cushions, ensure the materials are obtained from a reputable supplier. Fillings should comply with relevant fire safety standards to help reduce the risk of ignition and improve the overall safety of your outdoor space.
Addressing outdoor fire hazards, GB Foam has unveiled an outdoor cushion foam with fast-drying properties and enhanced fire protection, which shows significantly reduced flammability when compared to a sample of reticulated foam widely used throughout the UK.
Commenting on the issue, a spokesperson for GB Foam said: “We’re determined to help improve furniture fire safety in any way we can. Overall, the UK maintains a high standard when it comes to furniture, but unfortunately, some lesser quality pieces can still slip through. In addition, many people also choose to make their own furniture by recycling wooden pallets, which can be a cost-effective way to furnish your garden but may pose unexpected fire risks. Proper safety practices, combined with sourcing the right furniture materials can help to mitigate these risks.”
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