Top Causes of House Fires in the United States

According to the NFPA, more than 350,000 residential fires occur on a yearly basis. While a variety of sources contributed to this alarming number, these five causes were more prevalent than the rest.

#1: Cooking Equipment

It shouldn't surprise anyone that cooking equipment is at the top of the list. Stoves, ovens, grills, and other cooking equipment were responsible for a staggering 45% of all home fires reported between 2009-2013.

How to prevent: Never leave food cooking unattended. Remember the golden rule: Keep an eye on what you fry!

#2: Heating Equipment

Heating equipment – such as furnaces, space heaters, fireplaces, and water heaters – cause about 16% of all home fires. The leading reasons for this include failure to clean, and putting flammable materials too close to the equipment.

How to prevent: Have your heating equipment professionally serviced every year, and keep the surrounding area clear of curtains, clothing, upholstered furniture, cardboard boxes, and other flammable goods.

#3: Electrical Fires

Electrical fires involve some type of failure or malfunction in the electrical system. This can happen to any device powered by electricity, but it most commonly occurs in wiring equipment.

How to prevent: Have your home's wiring system inspected by a professional electrician, and never use devices with frayed or damaged wires.

#4: Smoking Materials

Though responsible for just 5% of house fires, smoking materials accounted for 23% of all fire-related civilian deaths. The vast majority of these fires were created when garbage or furniture were ignited by a lit cigarette.

How to prevent: If you smoke cigarettes, smoke outside and always make sure your butts are completely out before disposing of them.

#5: Clothes Dryers

The main cause of dryer fires is failure to remove lint – which is extremely flammable. If just a small piece of lint makes its way into your dryer's heating element, it can quickly ignite and cause your machine to burst into flames.

How to prevent: Clear your lint screen before every load of laundry, and have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once per year. Many people do not know this, but large quantities lint can make its way past the filter and accumulate in the exhaust vent.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional dryer vent cleaning services at an affordable price to homeowners on Long Island. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, give us a call at (631) 940-8100.