Research and analysis

Characteristics of modern domestic fire scenarios

An independent research report.

Documents

Details

This study was commissioned by the Office for Product Safety and Standards from BRE Global and was produced by a team comprising members of its Fire Safety Group and Fire Investigation Group. The objective was to understand how changes in the composition of products in the modern home have impacted on the ignition sources and characteristics of modern domestic fires, to help identify appropriate amendments to safety standards and product design. This desk-based study involved a review of published literature; analyses of fire statistics, real fire incidents and consumer product recalls; a review of flammability fire tests of consumer products; and one-to-one consultations with 10 organisations. Supporting information was provided by the Home Office, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (now DLUHC), and the British Standards Institution.

Published 27 May 2022