COOKING is the main cause of fires in Waverley homes, according to a fire service report.

Figures show 50 per cent of all 54 accidental house fires in the borough were caused by cooking and/or faulty appliances or equipment.

Of the 27 kitchen fires attended, more than 80 per cent were classed as a small with no action needed. But 12 of the 54 total accidental dwelling fires were in homes without a smoke alarm.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is prioritising reducing the figure in Waverley and using targeted campaigns and joint initiatives to carry out visits to ‘highest risk’ residents.

SFRS will work closely with adult social care teams to target people over 65; those who live alone; people with mental health illnesses including dementia; the disabled; smokers and adults with alcohol or drug dependencies.

The statistics and action outlined formed part of SFRS’ report to Surrey County Council’s Waverley Local Committee, last month.

It updated members on efforts to reduce the risk from fire, water and road traffic incidents.

Waverley’s borough commander John Cooper said: “It is positive to note that of the 54 accidental dwelling fires which occurred, 86.5 per cent of them were contained to the room of origin.”

Haslemere Fire Station has a full-time crew (7am-7pm Mon-Fri) with on-call personnel at all other times.