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

When you own a home, there are many threats to keep in mind. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in any place and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 noted incidents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Tucson.

What sparks residential fires in Tucson?

Fires can begin anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Tucson and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary culprit, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can result in internal components breaking down and igniting. Frayed cords and placing heaters next to combustible materials like bed sheets or curtains can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical problems cause fires. If you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from people being careless. Placing candles in close proximity to ignitable materials like drapery or having them within range of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decline 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 discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Tucson is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Tucson

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Additionally, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile benefit, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Safeguard your home against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Tucson

Elevate the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (520) 655-6492 to get started.