Top Causes of House Fires | SERVPRO® of Reno Southwest

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Reno Southwest is here for you if your home is affected by fire.

To see a home go up in flames from a fire can be devastating, especially if it is yours. House fires can spread quickly and cause mass destruction and devastation.

But despite increased awareness campaigns about fire safety over the last few decades, more than a quarter of all reported fires still occur in the home.

Let’s take the time to review the top causes of house fires, along with how you can prevent them:

Cooking. Kitchen fires are the most common source of house fires, contributing to half of all fires. The leading cause is unattended cooking. Reduce the risk of a kitchen fire by staying in the kitchen while cooking when using the stove, oven or a grill.

Heating equipment. The risk of house fire increases during the cooler months, as more people turn on the heat. Heating implements are the second most common source of house fires due to mishaps and malfunctions. Space heaters are a frequent culprit, since they are often placed too close to flammable materials.

Electrical fires. These days, we rely so much on electrical devices. They’re in every room of the house, and when electricity is not used safely, it’s a danger. Ensure you don’t overload electrical outlets or use frayed cords, and if your house is older, have the electrical system checked regularly.

Intentional fires. While it might be hard to imagine, there are more than 28,000 intentional home fires started every year. By intentional, we mean fires that were started purposefully with the intent of destruction.

Smoking materials. Smoking materials are responsible for only 5% of home fires, but they are the leading cause of civilian 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 fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.