Do You Know the Leading Causes of House Fires?

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of NW & SW Dutchess is here for you if your home is affected by a fire.

As a homeowner, you take precautions to prevent any number of disasters and emergencies, with fire being among them.

But even after years of awareness campaigns, we still see more than a quarter of all reported fires occurring in homes.

That’s why we want you to take a few minutes to review some of the top causes of house fires. This can help you become more aware and hopefully reduce your risks!

Cooking. Most house fires occur in the kitchen. In fact, 50% of them! The leading cause is unattended cooking. So while you prepare dinner, make sure you stay aware and present in the kitchen to help reduce your risk.

Heating equipment. Heating implements are the second-leading cause of house fires. Mishaps and malfunctions are among the most common culprits, but placing a heating device too close to something flammable can also contribute. Space heaters are a particular danger.

Electrical fires. Fires related to the electrical system are the next most common. This type of fire is most common in older houses since their electrical systems are often outdated. If you live in an older home, have your electrical system inspected regularly. In any type of home, avoid using frayed wires or cords, and don’t overload electrical outlets.

Intentional fires. Sadly, there are 28,000 intentional home fires started every year. We’re not talking about fires that got out of hand; these are fires that were set purposefully with the intent of destruction.

Smoking materials. If you choose to smoke in your home, you must be very careful! While smoking materials only cause about 5% of house fires, they are the leading cause of house fire deaths. These deaths often occur when someone falls asleep while smoking.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by a fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.