Common Causes for House Fires

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

It may seem that as a homeowner, if you are careful about not leaving fire unattended, you’ll likely avoid a house fire, but there are actually several common causes for home fires that have nothing to do with open flames in your home. Check out this list of events compiled by SERVPRO of Central Phoenix that could cause a home fire so you’re better informed on how to avoid this tragedy.

Outdoor cooking

During the barbeque season, grills left unattended on a wooden deck or next to a wall of a home can bring about a fire. A heated grill next to a wooden fence can easily cause fire, and grills have been known to ignite the exterior walls of a home or garage if placed too close. If you are using materials such as newspaper to start a fire, embers can blow and catch the side of a home on fire. Not all house fires start on the inside, so use caution when barbecuing to keep your home safe.

Holiday decorations

When people think of fires caused by holiday décor, Christmas trees most certainly are the top cause of flames. Christmas trees come with many risks. When the tree becomes dry, a quick spark or light shortage from strands of lights can set the whole tree on fire. Make sure to keep the water reservoir full and to unplug the tree when you are not at home. If you have pets that tend to chew, keep the tree lights high enough where they cannot reach it. Since many people decorate for other holidays like Halloween, these precautions apply to those decorations as well. Do not leave lighting unattended for a long period of time, and do not leave candles burning unattended. Check your lighted décor to make sure it is not overheating; this can cause a fire too if it is near a flammable item or even wood furniture.

Faulty wiring

Faulty wiring does not just happen around the holidays. Any time of year, fires erupt from overheated wiring. To minimize this from occurring, make sure systems are installed properly with their protective features. Do not overload a socket, electrical cord, or extension cord. Check the labeling or gauge rating to understand the capacity of these items to keep your wiring safe.

Unattended candles 

Candles can add beauty and ambiance to a home, and the scented ones are exceptionally popular with homeowners. However, as mentioned above, NEVER leave a flame unattended. Curious children can pick them up or knock them over. Same with pets. Even a long fluffy tail passing by can start a fire. Keep your kids, pets and home safe and always keep an eye on those candles, extinguishing completely if you are leaving the house.

Smoking

Cigarette butts are a common cause for house fires as cigarettes will sometimes be left unattended or dropped. There have also been situations where the smoker has fallen asleep with a lit cigarette or cigar in their hands, which fall to the ground, on furniture or on the bed, causing a fire. Be careful to always extinguish your cigar or cigarette fully when you are done with it, and do not leave it burning unattended.

Flammable liquids

Chemical fires occur from spontaneous combustion: this is a reaction of chemicals combining with oxygen to produce enough heat to ignite. Be sure to store fuels and other chemicals in proper containers that are protected from heat. Fires like these tend to happen in the kitchen and garage, so take the time to review where your chemicals are stored and ensure they are far away from any kind of heat or spark source.

Kitchen fires

Out of all the scenarios, the most common residential fires come from cooking. This can occur from grease and oil being overheated in the stove or oven, which are highly flammable and combusts without needing direct flame contact. If such an even does occur, be sure to have the correct materials on hand to extinguish a fire (do not throw water on a grease fire; it will make it worse). Many times, open flames and ovens are left unattended when in use which can be a recipe for disaster. Portable cooking appliances like electric griddles and toasters should always be attended and be cool to the touch before being put away after use.

Home fires of any kind can be devastating. Practice caution by following the advice above to help keep your home safe. Should you experience a house fire, reach out to SERVPRO of Central Phoenix to help with your fire damage restoration needs. We are available 24/7 to help you get your home back to normal. Contact us at 602-386-4268 to help with any fire damage needs that you may have.