Leading causes of residential fires in Fort Wayne and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to keep in mind. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to prevent them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Fort Wayne.

What sparks residential fires in Fort Wayne?

Fires can start anywhere and without warning, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common types of residential fires in Fort Wayne and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for long amounts of time might result in inner components degrading and catching fire. Situating heaters by combustible objects like bed sheets and drapery or using worn cords can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and should be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues result in fires. Don’t use an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure combustible objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and often result from careless behavior. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or next to flammable items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Fort Wayne is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that has an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Fort Wayne

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster occurs. This is a nice perk, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Fort Wayne

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can 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 reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (260) 286-9602 to talk with a Vivint representative.