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Common causes of residential fires in Fayetteville and how to prevent them

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

When you own a home, there are numerous risks to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Fayetteville.

What starts residential fires in Fayetteville?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Fayetteville and elsewhere. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for long periods can cause internal components to break down and spark. Frayed cords and situating heaters near combustible objects like bed sheets or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and need to be checked regularly.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you detect flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it investigated right away.
  • Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from carelessness. Placing candles next to flammable objects like drapes or leaving them within the domain of a curious pet will often produce disastrous results.
  • Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Fayetteville is to steer clear of careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you need to use a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Fayetteville

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis occurs. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Fayetteville

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (910) 718-9601 to get started.