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

There are a plethora of dangers you need to keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise anywhere and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result 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 avoid them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Boise.

What starts residential fires in Boise?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Boise and elsewhere. Neglected stovetops are the primary 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 matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Operating them for too long can result in internal elements degrading and catching fire. Placing heaters by flammable objects like blankets and drapery or using worn cords will also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. Whenever you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and often result from carelessness. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or too close to flammable materials will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes too soon can bring about destructive results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Boise is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Boise

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster takes place. This is a notable benefit, specifically when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Boise

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (208) 306-4107 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.