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

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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of threats to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted fires. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in York.

What causes residential fires in York?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common sorts of residential fires in York and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the main cause, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
  • Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for extended periods may result in inner elements degrading and sparking. Damaged cords and placing heaters next to combustible items like blankets or curtains will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be inspected frequently.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Never operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain flammable substances like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
  • Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or near flammable objects will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in York is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you need to use 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 York

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and more near sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis takes place. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against known threats with a Vivint smart home in York

Upgrade the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (717) 973-7710 to talk with a Vivint representative.