Leading causes of residential fires in Phoenix and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many hazards to keep in mind. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 reported incidents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Phoenix.

What causes residential fires in Phoenix?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common kinds of residential fires in Phoenix and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the chief cause, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for extended amounts of time may cause inner components to degrade and catch fire. Frayed cords and placing heaters near flammable objects like bedding or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and should be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Whenever you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it inspected right away.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from careless behavior. Putting them within a pet’s domain or next to ignitable materials will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can bring about destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Phoenix is to avoid reckless behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you need to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Phoenix

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more by sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. In addition, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis takes place. This is a notable perk, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Protect against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Phoenix

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (602) 755-6051 to get started.