SafetyPublished 3 October 2026 · 4 min read
Fires are up in 2026: why old wiring remains one of the most common causes
According to the Fire and Rescue Department, fires in H1 2026 rose 6.9% year on year. Insurers note that roughly one in ten fires is caused by electrical wiring.
What the numbers show
The Fire and Rescue Department reports 5,293 fires and 53 deaths in Lithuania in H1 2026 — 343 fires (6.9%) more than in the same period of 2025.
Insurer ERGO says more than 400 fires in the first eight months of 2025 were caused by faulty electrical equipment, appliances and wiring — 7.4% of all cases. A BTA representative notes that statistically one in ten fires stems from wiring faults.
Why old wiring is risky
Experts explain that wiring installed decades ago is often not designed for today's loads — dishwashers, induction hobs, heat pumps. Insulation ages and cracks, which can lead to short circuits.
The main problem is that the danger is invisible: the cables are hidden in the walls, so everything seems fine.
Warning signs
Call an electrician if breakers trip often, sockets get warm or discoloured, you smell burning, lights flicker when a powerful appliance switches on, the panel still has screw fuses or there's no RCD. Don't repair wiring yourself — it is dangerous and may affect insurance claims.