Fire Service shares air fryer safety advice amid growing popularity
Guidance issued on safely using air fryers and protecting your home from fire risks
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is urging people to stay mindful of fire safety when using air fryers over the Christmas period.
Widely considered as an energy-efficient way to cook, the Fire Service is issuing a warning over the potential hazards of using the devices, with firefighters having been called to a number of incidents this year connected to the gadgets.
Sarah Moore, Home Fire Manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, highlighted the importance of following manufacturer instructions when using an air fryer.
She warned against following online trends that diverge from these instructions and provided examples of incidents, such as a TikTok trend to clean air fryers, which led to fires and significant damage to homes.
Sarah said, “Definitely don’t follow any new trends that you might come across on social media platforms. We’re fully aware that there have been incidents in the past where these trends have caused a fire in that home, and the appliance was ruined, and so was the kitchen."
Tips on safe air fryer use
For those using air fryers, positioning and supervision are key, according to Sarah.
She advises pulling the appliance away from kitchen cupboards, ensuring proper airflow, and using an extractor fan or open window during use. Staying present while the air fryer is active and allowing it to cool completely before cleaning are essential measures to reduce fire risks.
She said, "Make sure you stay with the appliance whilst it’s on and then make sure it’s cooled completely before you attempt to dismantle it or wash it."
Night-time safety practices
The Fire Service recommends switching off appliances not in use as part of a regular bedtime routine to enhance safety.
Sarah addressed the risk of familiarity leading to complacency with devices and stressed the importance of taking precautions.
"If any appliance is using electricity of some form or it heats up in some form, there is always going to be a fire risk. So you’ve got to be very mindful with these types of appliances," she said.
She emphasised ensuring working smoke detectors are installed, as they can alert occupants early to any problems.
Free home fire safety visits available
The fire service is offering free home fire safety visits to provide tailored advice and support to residents. Information on how to request a visit is available on their website, and during these visits, smoke alarms can also be fitted free of charge.
"If you’ve got any concerns at all about the fire safety in your home... please head to our website and follow the links to home fire safety visits," Sarah said, adding that the visits provide goodwill advice and tips on staying fire safe.
Anyone with concerns about potential fires in their home or other properties is encouraged to call 999.
Sarah said: "We’re here 24-7, 365 days a year, and it’s what we do. We’d rather come and it be a false alarm than come and it be something really, really serious."