Top Causes of House Fires and How to Prevent Them

Every year, thousands of homes across the United States are damaged or destroyed by fires—many of which are preventable. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 346,800 home structure fires annually, leading to billions in property damage. 

As a homeowner, understanding the most common causes of house fires and how to prevent them is your first step toward protecting your family and property.

Common Causes of House Fires

1. Cooking Accidents Unattended cooking is the leading cause of residential fires. Grease fires in particular can ignite quickly and spread fast. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking and keep flammable materials like towels and curtains away from burners.

2. Heating Equipment Space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves are responsible for a significant number of home fires. Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable and have your chimney cleaned annually.

3. Electrical Malfunctions Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged extension cords can spark fires. Regularly inspect your home’s wiring, use surge protectors, and never run cords under rugs or furniture.

4. Smoking Indoors Cigarettes left burning or improperly extinguished can ignite furniture, bedding, or trash. If you smoke, do so outside and use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

5. Candles While they create a cozy ambiance, candles are a common fire hazard. Never leave a lit candle unattended, and keep them away from pets, children, and flammable items.

6. Dryers and Washing Machines Lint build-up in dryers is highly flammable. Clean the lint filter before and after every use and have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once a year.

   
   

How to Prevent House Fires

• Install and maintain smoke detectors on every floor and in all bedrooms.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in high-risk areas like the kitchen and garage.

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with all family members.

• Hire a licensed electrician for all electrical work.

• Schedule annual HVAC inspections.

  
  

What to Do If You Experience a Fire

After a fire, prioritize your family’s safety and seek temporary shelter if needed. Once it's safe, document the damage by taking photos and videos. Contact your homeowners insurance provider immediately to start the claim process. A restoration company like Local Restore Pro can assist with emergency board-ups, fire damage cleanup, and full-service restoration.

Sign Up for FREE Consultation on Fire Damage on your home.

Dealing with Insurance

To streamline your claim:

• Keep records of damaged items and receipts for repairs or temporary lodging.

• Work with licensed contractors and obtain written estimates.

• Ask your insurer about additional living expenses (ALE) coverage.

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Take Action Today

Preventing a fire is always better than recovering from one. By staying informed and proactive, you can reduce the risk of fire damage in your home. If you’ve experienced a fire, trust Local Restore Pro to handle the cleanup and restoration process from start to finish.