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Common causes of residential fires in Provo and how to prevent them

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are a plethora of risks you have to consider as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Provo.

What starts residential fires in Provo?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a waste container or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Provo and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long may cause internal pieces to degrade and ignite. Damaged cords and situating heaters next to flammable objects like bed sheets or window coverings will also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be checked regularly.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues cause fires.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 promptly.
  • Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and typically result from careless behavior. Situating them within reach of pets or too close to combustible materials will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: Despite the overall decline 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 while holding a cigarette or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Provo is to steer clear of careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you need to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that has an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Provo

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. In addition, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Provo

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (385) 455-7233 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.