Lithuanian firefighters warn of rising residential fire risks

The Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD) has issued a warning regarding a concerning trend in residential fires as the new heating season begins. While the total number of fires in Lithuania decreased by 2% last season, fires in residential buildings rose by 18%, increasing from 1,561 to 1,840 incidents.

Last heating season, 5,338 fires occurred across the country, resulting in 64 deaths. Notably, 50 of these fatalities—nearly 80% of the total seasonal deaths—took place within residential buildings. The statistics highlight a particularly lethal period in January, which saw 18 deaths, the highest for that month in a decade.

Authorities urge citizens to inspect heating equipment, clean chimneys, and ensure electrical installations are safe to prevent tragedies caused by improper stove use, fireplaces, boilers, or electric heaters.