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Top 10 Causes of House Fires
11/23/2020 (Permalink)
These winter fire hazards are all preventable.
Fires can happen year-round, but they are statistically more likely to occur in the winter.
According to the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA, these are the top causes of residential fires:
- Cooking: This is the number one cause of home fires. And the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.
- Heaters: Half of the residential fires are reported in December, January, and February. The culprits are space heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves, and chimney fires.
- Smoking: Smoking materials, such as cigarettes, pipes, and cigars cause 5% of reported home fires, and 21% of home fire deaths.
- Dryer Vent fires: See our blog post about this common and very preventable hazard.
- Flammable chemicals: Combustible liquids are all over the house; In the kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and shed.
- Grills: Greasy grills, propane leaks, and connector hose breaks are fire hazards.
- Candles: The most common days for fires started by candles are on Christmas day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
- Electrical: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power boards; Replace damaged electrical cords.
- Christmas trees: Dry trees are extremely combustible and a fire disaster when near a heat source. Just for fun, check out the 9 Ways to Know that You’re a Holiday Decorating Disaster.
10.) Computer Charging Accidents: This is a relatively new fire hazard; Heat generated from charging laptops and phones on flammable materials (cloth, paper, wood) can build up and quickly lead to a fire.
These fire hazards are ALL preventable.
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For information about our Fire Damage Restoration Process, click here.