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

There are many dangers you must keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 documented occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Chico.

What starts residential fires in Chico?

Fires can begin in any location and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread types of residential fires in Chico and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for lengthy periods may result in internal elements degrading and igniting. Putting heaters near combustible textiles like bed sheets and drapes or using frayed cords may also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are some ways electrical issues result in fires. Never operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain flammable substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and often result from carelessness. Putting them within reach of pets or too close to flammable objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Chico is to avoid careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Chico

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. In addition, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against known dangers with a Vivint smart home in Chico

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (530) 460-6338 to get started.