Most Common Causes of House Fires

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

According to reports, there are more than 350,000 house fires every year in the U.S. that cause millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses, as well as suffering due to injuries and death. Here are some of the most common causes of house fires, as well as a few tips on how to avoid them:

• Cooking. This is the most common cause of fire and is often caused by grease that is overheated on a stove or in the oven. Grease is very flammable and can combust spontaneously, and once it is ignited it is almost impossible to control. Never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking in oil or if the food you are cooking produces grease, and if a grease fire starts, do not use water to try to put it out. Use baking soda instead. 
• Heaters. Space and baseboard heaters are common causes of fire as well, especially if items made of fabric or combustible materials are placed too close to them. Electrical heaters are also dangerous if the wiring is faulty or if flammable items get too near. 
• Electrical Wiring. Short circuits causing arcing are a common culprit, as are circuits that are overloaded.
• Smoking. Cigarette butts dropped on furniture, carpets, or other flammable materials are yet another common cause of house fires. This often happens due to the smoker falling asleep. Smoking in bed is especially dangerous since it only takes a single stray ash to ignite bedding or clothing. 
• Burning Candles. Candles are a common culprit of house fires. Always extinguish them when you leave the room, and keep them at least 12 inches away from any flammable materials. 
• Flammable Chemicals. Residential chemical fires occur when vapors from gas and other petroleum liquids reach a high temperature or when the fumes contact a source of an open flame. Store all fuels and other chemicals in their proper containers and keep them in locations that are protected from heat. 
• Rags. Another cause of fires is when oily rags spontaneously heat up. Never store oil-soaked or chemical-soaked rags, and never stack them in a pile. Heat can be spontaneously generated when the fumes combine with oxygen. These rags should be spread out in an outdoor location until the oil evaporates. Once thoroughly dry, they can be washed for reuse; remember here to wash them by hand and not in your washing machine. 
• Holiday Decorations. Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many families, but they can be a fire risk. Live evergreen trees tend to dry out over time, and by the end of the holiday season, they can pose a very serious danger of flash fire. A hot light or a spark can immediately set the tree aflame, and such fires spread incredibly fast. If your family will be using a menorah during Hanukkah celebrations, always remember to keep an eye on it while it is burning, and never leave small children unattended in the same area. 

If you experience water damage or fire damage, give us a call. The team here at SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson has all the training, equipment, and expertise necessary to get you back to normal right away after a fire.