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Leading causes of residential fires in Fort Worth and how to prevent them

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

There are numerous risks you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Fort Worth.

What starts residential fires in Fort Worth?

Fires can begin in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Fort Worth and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary origin, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also essential to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for too long can cause inner pieces to wear out and ignite. Situating heaters by combustible materials like bedding and curtains or using damaged cords may also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be inspected regularly.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. Whenever you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated promptly.
  • Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from careless behavior. Placing them within a pet’s domain or near combustible materials will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: Despite the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes too soon can bring about catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Fort Worth is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Fort Worth

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more near bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster takes place. This is a nice feature, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Fort Worth

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (817) 241-5844 to talk with a Vivint representative.