Top Causes of House Fires in the United States

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated average of 328,590 house fires per year between 2019 and 2023. While the causes of house fires vary based on different circumstances, cooking accidents are the most common cause of house fires.

If you’re a victim of a house fire, the experts at Restorerz Emergency Services provide a range of professional services to help restore your home when the smoke clears. Learn what causes most house fires, and what you can do to prevent this from happening to you. 

Cooking Accidents

Cooking accidents are the leading cause of house fires in the United States. Although easily preventable, these fires often occur when someone leaves food unattended on the stove or in the oven. Grease fires from cooking may also result in a major house fire. 

Prevention tips

Here’s how you can prevent a cooking-related house fire:

• Never leave food cooking on the stovetop or in the oven unattended.
• Keep flammable items, such as dish towels and oven mitts, safely away from heat sources in the kitchen.
• Clean your stove and oven regularly to remove grease and food buildup that can ignite and catch fire.
• Turn the handles of pots and pans inward to prevent accidentally knocking them off the stove.
• Avoid cooking when you’re tired or on medication that can cause drowsiness.
• Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing that can catch fire if it comes close to an open flame while you’re cooking.

Electrical Issues and Wiring Problems

Electrical fires may occur due to old or faulty wiring, loose connections, or overloaded outlets in your Los Angeles home. Defective outlets and overloaded circuit breakers may also cause an electrical-related house fire.

Prevention tips

Remember these tips to prevent an electrical house fire:

• Always hire a licensed electrician to perform electrical work in your home. 
• Never overload wall outlets, and avoid using too many extension cords.
• Consider a professional electrical inspection to ensure your home is safe and up to code.
• Use only ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other areas where water is present. 
• Replace old, worn, or damaged cords and appliances that could short and cause a fire.

Heating Equipment and Space Heater

Space heaters and other home heating equipment can cause a house fire when placed near a flammable item, such as clothing or curtains. A short circuit from old, overloaded, or damaged equipment may also cause space heaters to catch fire.  

Prevention tips

Remember these tips to prevent heating equipment and space heater fires:

• Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, clothing, paper, and bedding, away from space heaters and other heating equipment.
• Replace old or damaged equipment, as well as any equipment with frayed cords.
• Use the correct type of fuel with your heating equipment or space heater.
• Never leave any type of heating equipment unattended when it’s in use.
• Only plug heating equipment directly into a wall outlet, and never use power strips or extension cords.

Smoking Indoors

Smoking indoors poses a significant risk of causing a house fire, especially when someone is smoking near flammable materials. Using lighters incorrectly may also pose a fire risk. Improper disposal and inattention while smoking are common causes of smoking-related house fires. 

Prevention tips

Keep these tips in mind to prevent a smoking-related house fire:

• When possible, smoke outside instead of inside your home.
• Dispose of used cigarettes or cigars safely, and never throw them in the trash until they’re properly extinguished.
• Never smoke when you’re tired or drowsy, or when you take medication that could cause drowsiness.
• Keep flammable items, such as loose clothing, bedding, curtains, and paper, far away from a lit cigarette or cigar.
• Keep matches and lighters safely out of the reach of children. 

Candles and Open Flames

Any type of open flame may easily start a house fire if it’s not monitored. The most common candle-related house fires are caused by a lit candle being knocked over and igniting a nearby flammable item. 

Prevention tips

Here’s how to enjoy your candles while preventing a house fire:

• Keep candles out of the reach of pets and children.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Consider switching from traditional candles to flameless candles.
• Never place candles near curtains, blinds, or other flammable materials.
• Trim the wick of new candles about one-quarter of an inch, and place them in stable holders that keep the candle securely in place.
• Avoid placing candles near open windows or drafty areas of the home. 

Laundry and Dryer Fires

Lint buildup in your dryer and dryer vents, mechanical and electrical failures of laundry appliances and dryer misuse, such as overloading your dryer, can lead to a dangerous fire that can cause significant damage to your home.

Prevention tips

Here are some ways to prevent laundry and dryer fires:

• Clean the lint trap or filter before every load.
• Have your dryer vents cleaned at least once a year to remove excess lint and debris.
• Use metal venting instead of plastic, since it’s less likely to catch fire when exposed to extreme heat.
• If you have a gas dryer, have a professional inspect the gas connection every year to make sure it’s secure.
• Avoid overloading your dryer to support good airflow and prevent the appliance from overheating. 
• Inspect your exterior dryer vent regularly to confirm it’s clear of blockages.

How To Protect Your Home From Fire Damage 

Fortunately, you can be proactive to protect your home from fire damage. First, make sure you have adequate, working smoke detectors in your home and that you have access to at least one fire extinguisher. Test your smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries at least once a year, unless they’re hardwired. Also, replace older or non-working smoke detectors.

Develop a family action plan in the event of a house fire so everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a house fire. 

Contact Restorerz Emergency Services Today

Remember these tips to help you prevent the most common causes of house fires. If you do experience a house fire, the experts at Restorerz Emergency Services are available to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week with your fire remediation needs. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule service with our company.