Common Causes of House Fires

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

A home can easily catch fire in many different ways. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Cooking Equipment. Pots and pans can overheat and can easily cause a fire if the person cooking gets distracted.
2. Heating Appliances. Portable heaters should be kept at least one yard away from anything that could easily catch on fire.
3. Smoking. A cigarette that has not been put out properly can cause a small flame that could be lit for a few hours. If the flame comes into contact with any flammable materials it can cause flames to burst.
4. Candles. Yes, we all want our homes to look and smell pretty, but never leave a room with a burning candle. Keep candles away from anything flammable. Blow candles out before leaving the room and going to bed.
5. Faulty Wiring. Inadequate wiring causes fires. If your lights are dim when using other appliances, fuses blow the circuit frequently, or if the appliance only works by having to disconnect another then you may have bad wiring. Contact a licensed electrician if you have any of these occurrences. 
6. Barbecues. These are great for outdoor cooking and meals. Make sure to keep barbecues away from home, tablecloths, and any plants or tree branches. Check the gas tank for any leaks before using it.
7. Lighting. Lampshades build up the heat if they are too close to the light bulbs. Keep lamps in areas where they can not be easily knocked over.
8. Christmas Trees. Real Christmas trees tend to dry out over time, and by the end of the holiday season. They can cause a very serious flash fire. A hot light or a spark can immediately set the tree aflame, and cause fires to spread quickly.