(Image: CDDFRS)
Firefighters have issued a safety warning to thousands of students set to begin life at Durham University this month.
During Freshers’ Week, from September 28 to October 4, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is urging students in halls and shared houses to follow its fire-safety advice.
Kevin Bell, station manager at CDDFRS, said: "We know that this will be the first time that many of the students starting university will have lived away from home.
"As a result, they may not consider that the simple things they do every day can pose a serious risk of a fire breaking out, which will not just affect them, but many other students if they are in shared accommodation."
He said many fires start when people are distracted during everyday tasks, especially in the kitchen.
Mr Bell said: "Things like becoming distracted when cooking and walking away from a pan on the hob or having a few drinks on a night out and forgetting they have left food in the oven can result in a fire."
He also warned that electrical devices can cause fires if used incorrectly.
Mr Bell said: "Even something as simple as charging a phone or laptop under a pillow or on a sofa instead of a hard surface, or overloading sockets, can cause the device to overheat and lead to a fire."
Firefighters attended 21 incidents at student halls in County Durham between September 1, 2025, and August 21, 2026.
The service said the true figure could be higher because some student properties are logged as private flats or houses.
Mr Bell said: "We want to make sure that students get their year off to a great start, by following our top safety tips to keep themselves and their housemates safe from fire."
The service said most fires start in the kitchen.
Students should never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable items away from the hob and avoid cooking after drinking alcohol.
Students should avoid overloading sockets and never charge devices on beds or sofas.
The service also recommends using fragrance sprays or reed diffusers instead of candles.
Smokers should put cigarettes out completely.
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Students should check that smoke alarms are fitted and working on every floor, then test them regularly.
Students should learn their escape routes so they can get out safely if fire breaks out.
Durham University’s Freshers’ Week runs from September 28 to October 4.
Firefighters hope these simple precautions will help students enjoy a safe start to the academic year.