The 5 Most Common Causes of House Fires

House fires are, and continue to be, a primary cause of death and property loss across the country. By taking fire safety measures at home, you could help prevent the fire before it starts. To help you create an effective fire mitigation strategy for your household, below are some of the most common causes of accidental house fires to keep in mind. 

Cooking-related fires

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, starting almost half of all fires. When a pot or pan you’re using overheats or splatters greases, it can only take seconds to cause a serious fire. Most kitchen fires occur because people get distracted and leave their cooking unattended. Keep combustibles away from heat sources and stay in the kitchen when cooking. 

Consider having a fire blanket or appropriate fire extinguisher available in close proximity to use in the event of a fire.

Electrical systems and devices

Any device that uses electrical power has the capability to start a fire, and overheated lighting equipment comes in at the top of the list. Substandard electrical work within a home — poorly connected circuits, loose wires, improper grounding — is also a hazard often unknown to homeowners.

Always use a qualified electrician when having any electrical work done and watch for the warning signs of faulty wiring, including blown fuses, flickering lights, or burning odors. 

Candles

Each year, candle fires account for hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and hundreds of unnecessary injuries and deaths. Unsurprisingly, candle fires are most likely to occur on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve. 

Only burn candles with constant adult supervision, extinguish them before leaving the house or going to bed, and keep burning candles at least one foot away in all directions from any flammable household items. 

Smoking

Negligent smoking habits are among the common causes of house fires. People occasionally fall asleep while smoking and in doing so can set their bed, chair, or couch on fire. Many things in your home can catch on fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside. Always ensure that your cigarette is extinguished before walking away – use water on the ashes and butts. 

Lightning 

With approximately 500,000 lightning flashes hitting the ground each year in Colorado, lightning strikes are most likely to occur during the summer months when afternoon or early evening storms are at their peak. If your home is in a heavily wooded area then it is extra vulnerable to lightning strikes that can set the surrounding area on fire. 

A Safe & Secure Environment

Learning to identify and analyze potential fire hazards, health and safety infractions, and risks can help keep you and your family safe. If you’re concerned about poor wiring in your home, unsure about surge protectors, or have any other queries regarding protecting your home from possible fires, contact our friendly, expert team today.