House fires can have devastating effects in minutes. Understanding the most common causes of residential house fires is the first step in preventing them. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2022 national estimates show that there were 374,300 residential house fires and 2,720 deaths.
- Cooking Equipment and Unattended Cooking
Cooking fires are consistently the leading cause of residential fires in the United States. These fires typically start when:
- Pots and pans are left unattended on stovetops
- Grease becomes overheated
- Flammable items are placed too close to heat sources
- Kitchen appliances malfunction
To help prevent kitchen fires, never leave cooking food unattended, and keep flammable items away from stovetops. Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher readily available and install working smoke detectors.
- Heating Equipment
The second most common cause of house fires, heating equipment, can be particularly dangerous during the winter months. Problems often arise from:
- Space heaters close to flammable items
- Faulty central heating systems
- Dirty chimneys and fireplaces
- Overloaded electrical circuits
Before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to have your heating systems, chimneys, and fireplaces inspected and cleaned by a professional. Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, and never use ovens or stovetops to heat your home.
- Electrical Systems
Electrical fires can start from various sources throughout your home:
- Faulty or outdated wiring
- Overloaded circuits
- Damaged power cords
- Malfunctioning appliances
During the holiday season, many households run the risk of overloading electrical outlets or using damaged power cords. Take care to inspect and update any wiring and cords that are frayed or damaged, and avoid running cords under carpets or furniture.
- Smoking Materials
While smoking-related fires have decreased over the years, they remain a significant cause of fatal house fires. Some common mistakes made by homeowners are:
- Not properly extinguishing cigarettes
- Smoking while drowsy or laying down
- Improperly disposing of smoking materials
To help prevent a fire from occurring, smoke outside whenever possible and be sure to completely douse cigarette butts with water before disposal. If you have children, keep lighters and matches out of reach.
- Candles and Open Flames
Candles create ambiance, but require careful attention when in use. A fire can start from:
- Unattended burning candles
- Pets or children knocking candles over
- Decorative and flammable items near open flames
If you burn candles in your home, make sure to keep them at least 12 inches away from anything flammable and on sturdy surfaces so they aren’t easily knocked over. Never leave burning candles unattended and be sure to extinguish all candles before going to bed. During the holiday season, consider using flameless alternatives for your decorations instead.
Take time to assess the fire safety measures in your home and make any necessary improvements. The best defense is prevention, and regular maintenance, monitoring, and good safety habits can significantly reduce the risk of a house fire.
Sources used in this article:
- "Residential Fire Estimate Summaries." U.S. Fire Administration, https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/residential-fires/. Accessed 4 November, 2024.
- "Most Recent Home Fires Result from 5 General Causes." National Fire Protection Agency, https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2020/12/17/most-home-fires-result-from-five-general-causes. Accessed 5 November, 2024.
This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information.
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