Bournemouth air fryer catches fire due to TikTok cleaning 'hack'
Firefighters are warning us to follow safety instructions
A fire at a Bournemouth home has started in an air fryer, after its owner was using a cleaning 'hack' they'd found on TikTok.
The blaze in the kitchen of a first floor property on Saturday (15th February) set off fire alarms in the building, with multiple crews attending.
It had been put out by the sprinkler system before firefighters arrived.
Safe & Well Manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Sarah Moore said:
“We understand the cause of the fire was from an air fryer. The occupier had previously cleaned the appliance after seeing a cleaning hack on TikTok which resulted in the appliance sparking and catching alight.
“Air fryers are a great way to cook in an energy-efficient way but, like all appliances, care should be taken to use them safely. The manufacturer’s advice for cleaning and maintenance should always be followed to reduce the risk of a fire.”
The brigade's issued some fire safety tips when using the equipment:
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Always unplug your air fryer when it’s not in use. That way, it can’t be switched on accidentally
• There are internal and external components of the air fryer that get really hot during cooking. Protect yourself by using oven gloves when handling the appliance, and protect your worktop by placing hot baskets and lids onto a trivet or heat safe board/mat
• Don’t cook in a non-ventilated area or under over-counter cupboards. Pull the air fryer away from the wall and open windows if you don’t have an extraction fan
• Don’t let the air fryer hot air ventilation openings blow into electrical outlets. You need to leave space around the air fryer for the vent to circulate