The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a safety campaign in February 2026 to help residents in Reading, Berkshire, find and fix electrical fire risks in their homes. Firefighters are focusing on teaching people how to spot hidden dangers such as overloaded plug sockets and faulty lithium‑ion batteries used in e‑bikes and e‑scooters.
The campaign is being run out of the Thames Valley Fire Control Service in Calcot. Local people can access a digital safety toolkit and book a free “Safe and Well” visit, during which crews will assess wiring and household appliances and give tailored safety advice.
This safety push comes as Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Wayne Bowcock prepares to retire in spring 2026. Bowcock has led Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service since June 2021 and was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal in the 2026 New Year Honours.
Fire experts and RBFRS say electrical problems are a leading cause of house fires in the region, with more incidents now involving lithium‑ion batteries. The campaign aims to reach around 85% of the local population to ensure families know how to charge devices safely and avoid overloading sockets or using too many extension leads at once.
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