With school holidays approaching and colder weather setting in, Suncorp Group’s AAMI is warning of an increase in household fire risks, urging homeowners to take basic preventative steps.
AAMI reported receiving over 750 home insurance claims related to fires between January and May 2025. Common sources of ignition include:
Steven Hussey, head of assessing and supply chain at AAMI, said the insurer has observed seasonal patterns where fire claims spike during school breaks, particularly during winter months.
“With winter keeping people inside, we don’t want to see this danger continue, especially as people depend more on their electricals appliances to keep warm,” he said.
Hussey noted that household behaviours such as leaving appliances running while unattended or using multiple devices on a single power point are contributing factors to house fires.
“We usually see a concerning rise in house fires caused by electrical appliances being placed in dangerous locations; think about a heater too close to curtains or worn-out electric blankets being used,” he said. “Even something as simple as leaving your heater on when you’ve just ducked out to the shops can cause a spark.”
AAMI encourages residents to examine cables, avoid overloading sockets, and keep heat sources away from furniture, curtains, and bedding.
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) also issued guidance on household fire preparedness, particularly during periods of extended home occupancy.
Superintendent Mark Halverson highlighted the importance of having a fire escape plan and maintaining fire safety equipment.
“It is vital to have a rehearsed fire escape plan, so everyone in the household is aware of what they should do if a fire starts,” he said, noting that the QFD saw over 460 house fires during last winter in Queensland alone.
He added: “People also need to carefully inspect their heaters, electric blankets, and smoke alarms to ensure they are in working order.”
AAMI outlined a number of practical measures to mitigate fire risk. These include:
The insurer encourages brokers to remind clients of these seasonal precautions, particularly given the link between increased home activity and claims frequency.
The alert on household fires coincides with broader trends in wildfire exposure, as outlined in Allianz Commercial’s latest Emerging Risk Trend Talk report.
According to the report, wildfire risk is intensifying due to a mix of climate change, land development, and vegetation management challenges.
Global insured losses from wildfires jumped from US$8.7 billion in the 2000s to US$56.3 billion in the 2010s, based on Swiss Re estimates. The 2025 wildfires in California alone are projected to have caused up to US$40 billion in insured damage.
Insurers are responding to these risks through improved modelling and regulatory compliance, including fire mitigation plans now mandated for utility providers in jurisdictions such as Victoria.
The report stresses the importance of both strategic planning and technical adaptation to address rising fire risks, especially in areas where urban development borders fire-prone landscapes.
