Photo of a fire

While a fire can start anywhere at any time, below is a list of the top four most common causes of fires. This information may even help you to prevent starting a fire.

1. In the United States, the most common type of fire starts in the kitchen. Whether it is from burning food, grease, or an electrical problem, often times all three can cause a fire. Grease is the major cause of a fire it can grow and spread quickly, getting out of control and spreading to other rooms of your home, before the fire department arrives.

2. Electrical fires are the second most common type of house fire. When you have electricity and water it can be bad. Often times, if the wiring is old or not grounded a fire can start and someone can be electrocuted. Electrical fires can be caused by several different things, including old wiring, faulty wiring, broken or old breaker boxes, faulty appliances, and the improper use of outlets.

3. During the cold winter months’ portable heaters and electric blankets start their fair share of fires. If you have to use a portable heater make sure you one that has a timer and an automotive shut-off. In place of electric blankets try using a heavy quilt.

4. Smoking is the fourth leading cause of fires. If you can smoke outside and make sure you put your cigarette out before going back inside your home. People fall asleep smoking more often than most people can imagine there are nearly a thousand deaths a year in the United States, because of smoking not to mention the loss off property. It does not take much for an ember off the tip of a cigarette to catch a chair, couch, rug, or curtains on fire, so be extra cautious when smoking in your home.

You can’t always prevent a fire especially an electrical one due to poor or faulty wiring or appliances. So, when you have the option to use extreme caution such as smoking, or cooking please do so!

For additional fire safety tips, contact Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service today!