Every year homeowners face fires inside their homes. Internal residential fires are the 2nd most common source of fire (wildfires are number 1). House fires in the U.S. result in millions of dollars in fire loss each year, along with countless fire injuries and even fire deaths. Whether it's a kitchen accident or an electrical malfunction, a little fire prevention knowledge can go a long way!

Cooking: The Leading Cause of Home Fires

Cooking is the leading cause of house fires and is responsible for more than half of all fires that started in homes. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires start in the kitchen more than any other place in the home. Unattended cooking, especially when using oils or grease, is one of the main reasons these fires occur. The number of structure fires caused by cooking-related incidents is staggering because cooking fires can turn into major catastrophes if not quickly controlled.

How to Prevent It:

• Never leave cooking unattended. If you're frying or grilling, stay in the kitchen. If you must leave, turn off your cooking appliance and remove from the heat.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy. A kitchen fire extinguisher should always be within reach. You need a class K extinguisher for kitchen grease fires. Element extinguishers are rated against K fires as well as A, B and C fires.
• Be cautious with oil and grease. Always heat oil gradually and monitor it carefully because hot oil can catch fire quickly
• Keep flammable objects away. Towels, napkins, and other items can catch fire quickly if placed too close to the stove or oven.

 

Electrical Fires: Hidden Dangers in Your Home

Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated electrical systems are among the causes of fires in homes. In fact, electrical failures are responsible for a significant percentage of the fires reported each year. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires saw a 6% increase in 2022 alone.  Structure fires caused by electrical issues can escalate rapidly, turning a small spark into a major fire. 

How to Prevent It:

• Install smoke detectors. These life-saving devices can alert you early to electrical issues, potentially preventing a structure fire.
• Don’t overload circuits. Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip, which could lead to overheating.
• Replace damaged cords. Frayed cords are a common fire hazard. If you notice any damage, replace the cord or appliance immediately.

 

Heating Equipment Fires: Keeping Warm Safely

Fires created by heating are another cause of residential fires, especially during the colder months. According to the National Fire Protection Association, between December and February, space heaters are a significant source of home fires across the U.S. Space heaters, chimneys, and wood stoves can easily cause fires if not properly maintained. These home structure fires often result from improper placement or failure to clean heating devices, leading to a high number of reported fires each year.

How to Prevent It:

• Maintain heating equipment. Clean your chimney regularly to prevent buildup. Have your heating system inspected annually.
• Keep combustibles away from heat sources. Maintain a three-foot zone around space heaters and wood stoves. This includes furniture, blankets, and other flammable materials.
• Turn off heaters when not in use. Never leave space heaters running when you leave the room or go to bed. Fires caused by space heaters are often the result of them being left unattended.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors. These detectors can save lives by alerting you to dangerous gas levels, which often accompany certain types of heating equipment.

 

Smoking-Related Residential Fires: A Silent Threat

Fires caused by smoking remain one of the deadliest and most preventable types of residential fires (source). Cigarettes catch fire when improperly extinguished or when smoked near flammable materials. In fact, apartment fire deaths are disproportionately high due to smoking-related incidents, where fires start in the living room or bedrooms.

How to Prevent It:

• Never smoke indoors. If you smoke, do so outdoors, far away from anything flammable.
• Properly dispose of smoking materials. Always use a fireproof container to dispose of cigarette butts, and never toss them in a trash can or on the ground, especially in dry conditions.
• Install smoke alarms in every level of your home. This is especially important in areas where smoking is more likely to occur.

 

Flammable Liquids and Household Chemicals: A Major Fire Hazard

Flammable liquids like gasoline, solvents, and paint are a huge fire hazard when not properly stored. These chemicals are highly volatile and can cause fires in homes if spilled, ignited, or stored improperly.

How to Prevent It:

• Store flammable liquids safely. Always keep gasoline, paint, and other flammable chemicals in well-sealed containers, away from heat sources.
• Use chemicals in a well-ventilated area. If you’re working with anything flammable, do so in an area with proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of fumes that can ignite.
• Avoid using flammable liquids indoors. If you need to use flammable liquids for home repairs or cleaning, do so outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to avoid the risk of fire injuries.

 

Preventing House Fires: Takeaways

Preventing home fires is possible when you understand the common causes and take the necessary precautions. Whether you're dealing with cooking fires, electrical issues, or the dangers of smoking, making small adjustments and staying alert can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a devastating house fire.

Remember:

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.
• Have the correct fire extinguisher in key areas like the kitchen and garage.
• Create a home fire escape plan with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

Element - The Residential Fire Extinguisher

Have peace of mind with Element fire extinguishers. Element is not only 80% smaller, but also discharges for 5X longer than a traditional extinguisher! Element is rated for fire classes A, B, C and K, giving you coverage for all major fire classes. With its compact size, you can store Element in places you need it everywhere around your house like a drawer, under a sink, or even mounted to your fridge! Enhance your fire safety with the advanced fire protection of Element.