18 people have died in house fires so far this year compared to 8 deaths recorded last year.
The National Fire Authority has confirmed that there were 7 child and 11 adult deaths caused by house fires.
NFA has attended to 111 structural fires that have destroyed buildings from January to date.
There were 147 structural fires last year.
The Authority says the major causes of these fires have been electrical related problems, unattended cooking, candles, prayer diyas and children playing with matches.
Electrical problems continue to top the list for cause of house fires.
NFA says in the next few days in the lead up to Diwali, their officers will give fire safety advice for the general public.
It says their officers are doing house to house visitations and talking to homeowners on the importance of fire safety during Diwali.
