5 Most Common Causes of House Fires

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 500,000 residential fires each year causing more than 4,000 deaths.  

The number one most common cause of house fires is cooking.  Kitchen fires are responsible for 28% of all house fires.  Be cautious when using a deep fryer with hot oil or grease. Make sure you turn off your oven and stove. And don’t wear loose clothing while cooking over a flame.

The second most common cause of house fires is supplemental heating appliances such as space heathers and fireplaces.  They cause on average 120,000 fires a year. Make sure to turn off all supplemental heating appliances when you leave the home and when you go to bed. When they are on, make sure to keep all combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, and fire wood at least 3 ft. away. A screen should be placed in front of any open flames.  It is wise to have your furnace serviced and your air filters changed regularly.

Other causes of fires include faulty wiring, candles, and cigarettes. Electrical wiring should never be exposed and should always be insulated. Never try to do electrical work yourself, hire a registered electrician. Be careful not to overload power outlets and don’t place extension cords under the furniture or carpet.

Use candles only on noncombustible surfaces and away from flammable materials. Never leave a candle unattended and don’t let it burn to close to the bottom.

Cigarettes and lighters are dangerous and require caution.  Never smoke in bed or on upholstered furniture.  Ensure cigarette butts are extinguished completely in an ashtray. Embers can smolder in bedding or trash cans and burst into flame. Don’t smoke when tired or drowsy as you may drop your cigarette onto carpet or furniture.  Keep all lighters and matches away from children.

Fires happen every day.  Protect your family and your home by being cautious and diligent about fire safety.  Plan an emergency route out of your house and educate your children about who to call in case of a fire.  Buffalo Restoration sees the aftermath of fires on a routine basis. Don’t let a careless mistake destroy your biggest investment.