Overview

• Met Office provisional data shows 630 hours of sunshine between March 1 and May 27, surpassing the previous spring record of 626 hours set in 2020.
• Aviva reports that garden fire claims in April and May have already outpaced any single month in 2024, with the average payout nearing £16,000.
• Dry soil and common garden fixtures like wooden fences and sheds are heightening the risk of small blazes rapidly spreading to properties.
• Insurance figures indicate a rise in lightning-related claims over the past five years, highlighting an under-appreciated source of fires.
• Aviva recommends avoiding unattended bonfires, practising cautious barbecuing, unplugging charged devices promptly and keeping reflective items away from direct sunlight.