Angel Carpenter, a 23-year-old single mother, experienced a devastating house fire that destroyed all her belongings, including her 15-month-old daughter Frankie’s clothes and toys. The fire, which occurred on January 24th while Angel was at work, was suspected to be caused by an electrical fault originating from her kitchen, potentially involving the air fryer and two aerosol cans. Firefighters at the scene suggested the air fryer may have been the source of the ignition, possibly due to a faulty plug socket or a defect within the appliance itself. The intense heat caused the aerosols to explode, further fueling the flames, which were eventually extinguished when the fire ruptured the water pipes within the house.
The fire left Angel and her daughter with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. The salvaged clothing reeked of smoke, a grim reminder of their loss. While some cherished items like framed photos and Frankie’s first birthday cards were retrieved, they bore the mark of the fire and smoke. The emotional toll on Angel was immense, leaving her in tears for hours, grappling with the shock and the realization that everything she had worked for was gone. Her 15-month-old daughter, Frankie, was thankfully safe at the time, being cared for by Angel’s mother, Emma.
The incident highlights a growing concern surrounding the safety of air fryers. Data reveals a significant increase in house fires linked to the appliance. In England alone, firefighters reported a 57% rise in air fryer-related fires in the year leading up to March, totaling 146 incidents. However, the actual number could be substantially higher as current fire incident reporting forms do not specifically categorize air fryers, making it difficult to accurately track incidents related to them. Several recent cases across the UK, including one involving a pensioner who narrowly escaped a fire started by his air fryer, underscore the potential dangers associated with these increasingly popular kitchen appliances.
The rise in air fryer-related fires coincides with the appliance’s surge in popularity, driven partly by the cost-of-living crisis and their perceived energy efficiency. This has prompted calls for a review of fire incident reporting systems to include specific categories for appliances like air fryers, allowing for more accurate data collection and better understanding of the risks involved. The Home Office is currently reviewing the Incident Recording System to address this issue and ensure emerging risks are accurately documented.
Adding to Angel’s woes is the lack of house insurance, a precaution she admits to overlooking. The financial burden of repairing and refurnishing her home now falls squarely on her shoulders, a daunting prospect given her circumstances. Her mother, Emma, has stepped in to help, launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of £4,500 to support her daughter and granddaughter in rebuilding their lives. Angel is deeply grateful for any contributions received, recognizing the kindness and generosity of those who have donated.
While the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly to the fire, their investigation was hampered by the extent of the damage, making it difficult to definitively determine the cause. They confirmed the incident, reporting that two fire appliances were dispatched to the scene and crews utilized various equipment, including hose reel jets, a covering jet, a ventilation fan, and breathing apparatus to control and extinguish the blaze. The fire service’s official report underscores the destructive nature of the fire, highlighting the importance of fire safety measures and the devastating consequences that can occur when such incidents take place. Angel’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of home insurance and the potential dangers lurking within everyday household appliances.
