MORE than 90,000 people in Glasgow have caused a "grime" fire in their own home.

Figures show thousands of families are putting their lives at risk because of dirty and messy kitchens.

Grime fires are caused by the ignition of excess fat in cooking appliances or by dirt, dust and crumbs blocking ventilation and causing products to overheat. Half of all house fires start in the kitchen.

Research found a third of people in Glasgow can't remember the last time their oven or the area behind their fridge was cleaned.

One in seven admitted to regularly blocking vents with objects, and one in 10 said they had left flammable items next to heat sources.

More than half of all house fires across Scotland, England and Wales are started by kitchen appliances - 21,036 out of 37,061 house fires last year.

More than 425,000 people in Scotland have experienced a grime fire in their kitchen.

A sixth of people in Glasgow confessed to putting themselves at risk because they are just too lazy to clean as well as they should.

Common excuses included being too busy.

The Electrical Safety Council conducted the research, to raise awareness of kitchen fires as part of Electrical Fire Safety Week.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: "More fires start in the kitchen than any other room in the house.

"The research from the Electrical Safety Council demonstrates people don't always take the time to ensure their kitchen is safe.

"Leaving cooking unattended, or cooking under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are major causes of kitchen fires. Build-up of grime in ovens, toasters and grills also increases the chance of fire.

"We recommend you make time at least once a year to clean out any ventilation systems you use in your kitchen, as well as the space behind fridges and freezers."

Emma Apter from the Electrical Safety Council added: "I'd urge everyone to clean their appliances as often as possible, and take care not to leave objects lying around in the kitchen that could ignite or block ventilation."

The charity's campaign also involves a national roadshow which will visit Braehead shopping centre in Glasgow on October 5.