Common Causes of House Fires

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

What Causes House Fires?

Here at SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County, we hope everyone is enjoying this much-needed summer and staying safe while doing so. Charlotte has been beautiful recently and most outdoor activities have fully reopened. Today we will be talking about the common causes of house fires as well as some ways to prevent them, so you can keep your family safe. 

The Culprits

There are many ways that a fire can be started by mistake. Some of these are the result of user error while others can be unpreventable by a homeowner.

• One extremely common cause is by leaving a candle unattended, allowing it to catch something on fire
• When cooking, make sure you stay in the kitchen from start to finish as unsupervised cooking can result in a fire. If children are involved in the cooking process it is essential that you keep an eye on them to keep everyone safe.
• Smoking a cigarette carelessly or while falling asleep is extremely dangerous and poses a high risk of accidental house fires.
• Heaters are also very prone to creating fires, making it essential that they are unplugged when not being used. If you are using a heater, ensure that you are awake and in the room to keep a close eye on it. 
• Faulty wiring is one of the most common fire starters. Unfortunately, faulty wiring is nearly impossible for the average homeowner to spot. If you suspect faulty wiring please contact your local electrician immediately. 

Ways to Prevent Fires

Most fire prevention methods are quick and easy, and they just might save you from dealing with a house fire. Whenever you leave your home, make sure to blow out any lit candles and to unplug any appliances that pose the risk of overheating. If you are a smoker, make sure you smoke outside and away from any flammable materials. When cooking, make sure to stay in the kitchen throughout the process, and always supervise children when they are near the stove. Once finished, make sure that the stove and any other appliances used are turned off completely. 

If There is a Fire

We hope that you never find yourself in a situation where you are affected by a fire, but if you are, it helps to be prepared. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and always keep fresh batteries in your home’s smoke detectors. If a fire does occur in your home, it is best to safely exit the building and call the fire department immediately. Here at SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County, we specialize in fire damage repair, and we are always here to help in your time of need. 

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