Understanding when fires occur is as critical as knowing where they happen, with timing data revealing clear patterns linked to daily routines, seasonal behaviour and environmental conditions. New analysis by UK-based passive fire protection specialist System Building Services Limited (SBS Limited) highlights specific hours, months and locations where fire risk is significantly higher.

SBS Limited analysed national Fire and Rescue Service incident data from 2024/2025 across England to identify temporal and seasonal trends. The study examined three key variables: time of day, month of the year and type of location, aggregating incidents and calculating their proportion of total fires to support more targeted fire prevention strategies.

The analysis shows that fire incidents peak during the early evening. The single highest-risk hour is between 19:00 and 20:00, accounting for 8.99% of all incidents, closely followed by 18:00–19:00 at 8.95% and 17:00–18:00 at 8.40%. Combined, the three-hour window between 17:00 and 20:00 represents more than a quarter of all fires recorded nationally.

Fire risk continues to remain elevated until late evening, with the period from 16:00 to 22:00 accounting for the majority of daily incidents. In contrast, early afternoon hours see significantly fewer fires, with incidents between 13:00 and 14:00 accounting for just 4.47% of the total.

“The evening spike in fire incidents aligns closely with when most people return home from work and begin cooking, using heating systems, and engaging in other routine activities,” said Brian Michie, Managing Director at SBS Limited.

“This time period combines multiple risk factors: increased use of cooking equipment, heating appliances being switched on as temperatures drop, and more people present in buildings. Understanding these patterns allows both individuals and organisations to heighten their awareness during peak risk hours.”

Seasonal analysis reveals that August records the highest number of fires of any month, with 16,679 incidents, representing 11.71% of the annual total. Other summer months also feature prominently, with June and July together contributing nearly 20% of incidents. Overall, the three summer months account for more than 31% of all fires recorded during the year.

March ranks as the second-highest month for fire incidents, while November also shows elevated figures, creating secondary peaks during seasonal transitions. Winter months record the lowest incident rates overall, despite increased use of heating systems.

“The summer spike can be attributed to several factors: dry weather conditions increasing outdoor fire risk, more people using barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment, and longer daylight hours meaning more outdoor activity,” Michie explained.

“The March peak likely reflects the transition from winter heating systems, combined with spring weather patterns that can create dry conditions. November's elevated numbers coincide with Bonfire Night and the start of increased heating use as temperatures drop.”

Location data highlights that refuse-related fires dominate national statistics. Fires involving refuse containers, refuse sites and waste storage account for more than 31% of all incidents, significantly exceeding any other single category. Dwellings account for 17.78% of fires, while grassland, woodland and crop fires represent 15.32%.

When combined, outdoor and secondary fires account for nearly 59% of all incidents, compared with just over 18% occurring in residential properties.

“The high incidence of refuse-related fires highlights a significant but often overlooked risk area,” said Michie. “Many of these fires are preventable through proper waste management, secure storage of flammable materials, and regular clearance of combustible waste.”

Summarising the findings, Michie said the data provides clear guidance for targeted prevention efforts.

“These patterns reveal that fire risk follows predictable rhythms tied to how we live and interact with our environment. What this data provides is actionable intelligence for fire prevention, allowing awareness and resources to be focused where they can have the greatest impact.”

A significant new regulation aimed at strengthening occupational health and safety across the Kingdom came into full effect last week, requiring employers to implement mandatory fitness examinations for workers.

From 22 April 2026, the Regulation for Occupational Fitness Examinations and Non-Communicable Diseases Examinations has become enforceable, marking a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to create healthier and safer workplaces.

The move forms part of the country’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions to modernise labour practices, reduce occupational risks, and promote long-term workforce wellbeing.

The regulation, issued by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), applies to all employees in government entities, private sector establishments, and non-profit organisations.

It covers permanent staff, temporary or seasonal workers, trainees, people with disabilities, and those on remote contracts.

Under the new rules, employers must arrange and ensure the completion of comprehensive occupational fitness examinations conducted by accredited specialists in occupational medicine recognised by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

These assessments evaluate physical, mental, and psychological fitness to ensure employees can safely perform their roles.

Examinations are mandatory in several situations: before starting employment (pre-placement), when changing roles or positions that involve different health and safety risks, following an occupational injury or illness, upon return from extended medical leave, and for periodic monitoring in high-risk professions.

The checks also support the early detection and management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and other chronic health issues that could affect workplace performance or safety.

The regulation was published in the Official Gazette (Umm Al-Qura) and followed a 180-day implementation period after its formal adoption via Ministerial Decision 33232.

This grace period allowed employers time to update policies, engage qualified medical providers, and align data protection and human resources processes with the new requirements.

Health and safety experts have welcomed the development.

The examinations go beyond traditional pre-employment medical checks by incorporating a holistic approach that includes mental and psychological wellbeing – areas increasingly recognised as critical to preventing workplace incidents and supporting productivity.

Typical components of the fitness assessment may include clinical examinations, laboratory tests (such as blood analysis and urine screening), and, where clinically indicated, electrocardiograms (for those over 40), chest X-rays, audiometry, or tests for aerobic capacity and musculoskeletal function.

For certain high-risk roles – for example in construction, firefighting, or industrial settings – additional specialised evaluations are required.

By focusing on non-communicable diseases and overall fitness, the regulation aims to reduce occupational illnesses and injuries, lower absenteeism, and contribute to a more resilient labour market.

It aligns with international standards from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), while reflecting local priorities under Saudi Arabia’s national occupational safety framework.

Employers are now advised to review their existing health and safety policies, identify workers who may require examinations, and ensure compliance to avoid potential penalties.

Failure to meet the requirements could result in regulatory action, although the emphasis in the initial period is expected to be on guidance and support rather than immediate enforcement.

The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a New Mexico-based inspection company to reinstate and compensate a terminated worker who reported safety concerns during installation of a natural gas pipeline in Watonga, Oklahoma

The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated a whistleblower complaint filed against Legacy Energy and Distribution LLC that alleged a construction crew was installing a pipeline without following federal regulations. The complainant used “stop work authority” to halt the installation and contacted an independent, third-party testing company to verify observed concerns, which Legacy later confirmed as valid. Legacy subsequently fired the inspector, alleging failure to follow the established chain of command and complete the probationary period.

OSHA determined that Legacy wrongfully terminated the inspector for engaging in protected activities under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act, which protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of federal laws related to pipeline safety and security. OSHA ordered Legacy to reinstate the employee and pay back wages, interest, and compensatory damages, totalling more than US$35,000.

OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program enforces protections for employees who suffer retaliation for engaging in protected activities under more than 20 federal laws.

All federal agencies are required to establish procedures to ensure that no employee suffers retaliation for reporting unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, or for otherwise engaging in safety or health activities.

Federal employees who believe that they have suffered retaliation for disclosing a violation of a law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, and/or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, may file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).