Fire is among the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening problems affecting a home. Where most issues only damage aspects of a property, fire threatens to reduce the entire house to ash and rubble.

It is crucial to be aware of the major causes of it and take necessary precautions to prevent fire damage from occurring.

This article will discuss these causes in detail and provide tips to prevent them. Knowing how to avoid it and keep your property safe is important, whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or property manager.

5 Major Causes of Fire and How to Prevent Them

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the most common types of fire that cause commercial fire damage are cooking, heating, electrical, smoking, and even candles. In this section, we will explore each cause and provide tips on how to prevent them.

1. Cooking Fires

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires in the United States, according to the NFPA. These types of fires usually occur when people leave their food unattended or cook with grease or oil. To prevent cooking fires, follow these tips:

• Never leave your cooking unattended, even for a short period of time.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking.
• Keep flammable objects like towels, oven mitts, and curtains away from your stovetop.
• Clean your stovetop and oven regularly to prevent a buildup of grease and oil.
• Install a smoke detector near your kitchen and make sure it is in good working condition.

2. Heating Fires

Preventing fire damage from heating fires is crucial to avoid this on your property. Unfortunately, heating equipment is the second leading cause of fire in the United States. Here are some tips to help prevent it:

• Keep flammable objects like curtains and furniture at least 3 feet away from any heating equipment.
• Turn off portable heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Use space heaters that have an automatic shut-off function if they tip over.
• Have a professional inspect and service your heating equipment annually.
• Install a smoke detector in every room where heating equipment is used, and make sure it is in good working condition.

3. Electrical Fires

According to the NFPA’s report, Home Structure Fires, electrical distribution, and lighting equipment were responsible for 10 percent of fires between 2014 to 2018. Here are some tips from fire damage restoration companies:

• Have a professional electrician inspect and service your home’s electrical system every few years.
• Replace or repair damaged electrical cords or plugs immediately.
• Use the correct wattage light bulbs in all your fixtures.
• Do not overload your outlets or extension cords with too many devices.
• Install a smoke detector near every room where electrical equipment is used and make sure it is in good working condition.

4. Smoking Materials

Smoking is one of the leading causes of fire deaths in the United States. In addition, smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, can commonly cause fire harm. Therefore, protecting valuable assets from fire harm is essential for maintaining financial stability, personal safety, and peace of mind.

To prevent smoking-related fires, follow these tips:

• Smoke outside your home and dispose of your cigarettes in a metal container filled with sand or water. Fire damage cleanup is important to prevent fires caused by smoke.
• Never smoke in bed or when you’re feeling drowsy or under the influence of medication or alcohol.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Install a smoke detector in every room where smoking occurs and make sure it is in good working condition.

5. Candles

Candles are a popular way to add ambiance to a room but they are also a common cause of house fires. As a fire damage company, we recommend the following tips to prevent fires caused by candles:

• Keep candles at least one foot away from any flammable objects, including curtains and furniture.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy.
• Blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Consider using battery-operated candles instead of traditional candles.
• Install a smoke detector in every room where candles are used, and make sure it is in good working condition.

Do You Need a Trusted Fire Damage Restoration Service? Try United Restoration

Fire harm is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a property, causing significant damage and potentially endangering lives. However, taking steps can save lives and protect your property. By understanding the major fire causes, you can take the necessary precautions to reduce the fire risk in your home or business.

If you experience fire damage, United Restoration can provide a wide range of services to help restore your property after a fire. Our services include damage assessment, debris removal, cleaning and restoration of fire and smoke-damaged materials, odor removal, and more.

Take action today to prevent fires and protect your property. Contact us for all your disaster restoration services needs.