Residential fires can be devastating, but many are preventable with the right precautions. Knowing the leading causes of home fires can help you take proactive steps to protect your property and loved ones. Here are the top five causes—and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Cooking Accidents
Cause: Unattended cooking, grease fires, and overheating are the leading causes of house fires.
Prevention: Never leave the kitchen while cooking. Keep flammable items away from stovetops, and always have a lid nearby to smother grease fires. Install a smoke detector near the kitchen and test it monthly.
2. Heating Equipment
Cause: Space heaters too close to flammable materials, or malfunctioning furnaces and fireplaces.
Prevention: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Have your heating system inspected annually, and always use a screen with wood-burning fireplaces.
3. Electrical Malfunctions
Cause: Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, and outdated electrical systems.
Prevention: Hire a licensed electrician to inspect your home’s wiring, especially if it’s older. Avoid overloading power strips or outlets and unplug appliances when not in use.
4. Smoking Indoors
Cause: Lit cigarettes left unattended or improperly disposed of.
Prevention: Smoke outside whenever possible. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and ensure all cigarettes are fully extinguished. Never smoke in bed or when drowsy.
5. Candles
Cause: Candles left burning unattended or placed near flammable objects.
Prevention: Use flameless candles when possible. If using real candles, keep them on stable surfaces away from curtains or furniture, and blow them out before leaving the room.
Stay Fire Safe
By recognizing and addressing these common fire hazards, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire in your home. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and consider installing smoke alarms on every level of your home for extra peace of mind.
This post was written by a professional at First Response Restoration. First Response Restoration provides 24/7 emergency water and fire damage restoration near you, mold removal near you, and sewage cleanup throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New England. We’re licensed, bonded, insured, and fully certified to handle residential and commercial restoration projects. Click here to learn more.
