A recent fire in a customer's home serves as an important reminder of how quickly a fire can take hold and why fire safety should never be overlooked.

The fire started when an electrical appliance overheated and burst into flames. Although attempts were made to tackle the fire, our customer was injured and the fire continued to spread, causing significant damage to the property.

Thankfully, incidents like this are rare, but they are a reminder that your safety should always come first.

If a fire starts in your home:

• Do not attempt to extinguish the fire.
• Leave the room immediately and close the door behind you.
• Raise the alarm and ensure everyone in the property gets out safely.
• Call 999 once you are in a place of safety.

Remember, we can replace buildings, but we cannot replace you.

There are also simple steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of a fire starting in the first place. The Government's Fire Kills campaign highlights common causes of household fires, including unattended cooking, candles left burning and overloaded electrical appliances. Even a small mistake can have serious consequences.

Many fires start overnight, so taking a few moments before bed can make a real difference. The Fire Kills bedtime checklist recommends:

• Turning off and unplugging electrical appliances unless they are designed to stay on, such as freezers.
• Ensuring cookers and heaters are switched off.
• Not running washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers overnight.
• Putting candles out properly.
• Keeping exits clear and making sure everyone knows where keys are stored.
• Closing internal doors to help slow the spread of fire.
• Checking smoke alarms are working and considering installing additional alarms throughout your home.

For more fire safety advice and guidance, visit our website or visit the Fire Kills campaign.