What Causes House Fires?

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

What is the most common way houses catch fire?

House fires can be devastating and are more common than you might think. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association estimates an average of 350,000 house fires in the United States every year! To keep your home—and those who live in it—safe from fire damage, it’s important to understand what causes house fires and take steps to prevent them. 

Let’s look at some of the most common causes of home fires.

Cooking Accidents

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires, accounting for about 46% of all house fires. Cooking accidents often cause serious damage because grease and other cooking liquids create smoke and flames that spread quickly. To avoid cooking-related house fires, never leave food unattended on the stovetop or in the oven, and make sure to keep flammable items like oven mitts and towels away from heat sources.

Electrical Problems

Another major cause of house fires is electrical problems such as wiring faults or overloaded outlets. Faulty wiring or outlets can cause sparks that ignite nearby materials like curtains or carpets, leading to a fast-spreading fire with catastrophic results. To reduce your risk of this kind of fire, have your electrical systems inspected regularly by a licensed electrician who can identify and repair any potential issues before they become dangerous.

Smoking Accidents

Smoking accidents are another major cause of house fires; cigarettes left smoldering on furniture or near flammable items can easily start a fire that spreads quickly throughout a home. To avoid smoking-related house fires, always discard cigarettes in appropriate containers and never leave them unattended on furniture or near curtains or other flammable materials. When possible, it’s best to smoke outside your home instead of inside it to minimize the risk of an accidental fire starting indoors. 

Fire Damage Repair and Restoration in Suffolk County, NY

If your Suffolk County home sustains fire-related damages, SERVPRO of Oakdale is here to help. Our team of highly trained fire restoration technicians provides immediate fire restoration services for residential and commercial properties on Long Island’s End End.

For more information about our fire damage restoration and repair services, call (631) 563-1709.