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.”

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has officially launched its annual Ramadan Safety Campaign, placing employee wellbeing and responsible workplace practices at the forefront during the holy month.

The initiative was inaugurated on 24 February 2026 by the company’s chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, at Oasis Hall, in the presence of senior executives, managers and employees from across the plant. Branded under the theme ‘Five Star Safety, One Spirit of Ramadan’, the campaign will run throughout Ramadan and is designed to reinforce Alba’s long-standing safety culture while recognising the unique rhythms of the month.

Company officials said this year’s programme aims to promote mindful behaviour, healthy routines and a balanced approach to professional and personal life. With fasting and altered schedules potentially affecting energy levels and concentration, the campaign focuses on supporting staff to maintain safe performance standards while prioritising overall wellbeing.

A series of activities has been organised to engage employees across departments and shifts. These include in-person lectures and online webinars delivered by both internal specialists and external experts. Topics range from workplace safety and occupational health to nutrition advice and the reduction of food waste, aligning practical guidance with the values of Ramadan.

Management teams will also conduct site visits to operational areas during the month. These visits are intended to strengthen communication between leadership and frontline staff, encourage dialogue around safety concerns and reinforce safe behaviours in day-to-day operations. By maintaining a visible presence across the plant, Alba aims to ensure consistent safety standards regardless of shift patterns.

In a notable move, the 2026 campaign is being led entirely by women employees, underlining their contribution to the company’s safety and cultural initiatives. Alba said the decision highlights the important role women play in shaping and sustaining a proactive safety environment within the organisation.

The Ramadan Safety Campaign forms part of Alba’s broader commitment to embedding health and safety into every aspect of its operations. By combining technical guidance with awareness of physical and mental wellbeing, the company seeks to ensure that productivity and care for employees go hand in hand.

As one of Bahrain’s largest industrial employers, Alba continues to position safety as a shared responsibility, particularly during periods when routine working patterns shift. The campaign’s blend of education, engagement and leadership visibility is intended to reinforce a unified approach to safe and responsible practices both inside and outside the workplace.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new guidance on how work-related injuries linked to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries should be documented on OSHA Forms 300, 301, and 300-A.

The clarification comes amid increasing use of lithium-ion batteries across workplaces and their associated safety risks.

According to the letter of interpretation, any injury caused by a lithium-ion battery that meets the general recording criteria outlined in Section 1904.7 of OSHA’s Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses standard must be recorded on the agency’s logs. This guidance reinforces the importance of accurate recordkeeping for workplace incidents involving energy storage devices.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in personal electronics, tools, and industrial equipment, can present significant hazards. Potential risks include fires, explosions, and chemical exposure, which can occur during manufacturing, daily use, emergency response, disposal, or recycling. The letter underlines that awareness of these hazards is critical for employers aiming to maintain safe workplaces.

To mitigate risks, OSHA recommends a range of safety measures. These include implementing controls during battery design and production, ensuring proper ventilation, storing batteries in cool and dry conditions, monitoring storage areas for flammable or toxic gases, and using designated recycling facilities. Employers are also advised to provide safety showers and eyewash stations when employees handle battery materials.

A Letter of Interpretation represents OSHA’s official response to questions about how its regulations apply to specific workplace scenarios. While these letters do not create new obligations for employers, they offer an authoritative explanation of existing requirements and guidance on compliance. Stakeholders can use them to better understand federal standards, regulations, and Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The issuance of this letter follows the launch of OSHA’s opinion letter programme in June, designed to provide clearer compliance guidance for employers and workers. The initiative expands the department’s commitment to offering practical advice that addresses real-world workplace hazards.

OSHA encourages the public to access the new opinion letters portal, where past guidance can be reviewed and new requests submitted. Each submission is assessed at OSHA’s discretion, with priority given to questions that address broader workplace safety concerns.