Leading causes of residential fires in Olympia and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of perils you must keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented fires. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Olympia.

What causes residential fires in Olympia?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in Olympia and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary origin, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that dousing a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for lengthy time periods may result in inner components degrading and sparking. Putting heaters by flammable objects like bedding and drapes or using frayed cords may also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and need to be checked periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Never operate an appliance with a damaged cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Situating them within a pet’s domain or next to combustible materials will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Olympia is to be attentive at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must use a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Olympia

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and think about installing more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, because they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Olympia

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (360) 996-1195 to get started.