Lithuania heating season safety: fire risks and radiator maintenance

As the heating season begins in Lithuania, authorities and experts are issuing guidance regarding home safety and equipment maintenance.

Firefighters report a concerning trend where fires in residential buildings increased by 18% during the previous heating season, rising from 1,561 to 1,840 incidents. These residential fires accounted for 50 deaths, representing nearly 80% of all fire-related fatalities during that period. The Fire and Rescue Department urges residents to inspect heating devices, clean chimneys, and check electrical installations to prevent tragedies caused by stoves, fireplaces, and electric heaters.

Additionally, technical issues with heating systems, such as gurgling radiator noises, are being highlighted. Such sounds often indicate air bubbles trapped in the pipes, which can disrupt water circulation. This inefficiency can lead to uneven heating, where the top of a radiator remains cold, and can increase energy bills by approximately 7% for every one-degree increase in temperature settings.