Top 6 Common Causes of North Dallas House Fires and How to Prevent Them

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

House fires can be terrifying ordeals. Fortunately, preventing the most common causes of house fires isn’t difficult.

According to the NFPA, a death occurs from a house fire every three hours in the US. Fortunately, some of the most common causes of house fires in North Dallas are preventable. We’ll cover the most common house fire causes and ways to prevent them below.

If your home or commercial building has suffered fire and smoke damage, we can help. Contact SERVPRO of Richardson 24/7 at (972) 690-1414 for a free estimate. 

Cooking is the #1 Cause of House Fires 

Cooking-related fiascos are the most common cause of house fires and injuries in the US. Usually, open flames from a stove or oven are the culprit, setting fire to clothing or objects nearby. Fortunately, these fires are easily preventable. 

Be sure to keep flammable materials away from the stove and oven. Also, be mindful of loose clothing when cooking on an open fire. Don’t leave the kitchen unattended when cooking on the stove. Keep pot and pan handles turned inward or toward a wall to prevent them from being knocked over. 

Grease and fire don’t mix. So do not put water on an inflamed pot. Instead, use a fire extinguisher and always keep it handy in the kitchen. 

#2 Cause of House Fires in Dallas: Smoking

Smoke outside and fully extinguish smoking devices. Use an ashtray that’s too heavy to tip. Smoking-related fires are the leading cause of fire-related deaths. 

#3 House Fires Cause: Candles 

Children and pets can knock over burning candles. Candles left burning unattended can also catch drapery on fire. Never leave a candle burning unattended and keep them out of reach of pets and children.

#4 House Fires Culprit: Wiring Issues

Bad, old wiring and overloaded wires can quickly lead to fires. Have a certified electrician inspect your home for wiring issues to prevent this common cause of household fires in North Dallas. 

#5 Common cause of house fires: Heating appliances

Space heaters and fireplaces are significant sources of house fires. Keep flammable materials several feet away from these items. Fully extinguish a fireplace and make sure logs are cool before closing it. Also, only burn seasoned wood in an interior fireplace. Finally, never leave a space heater running unattended. 

#6 Most common cause of house fires: Christmas trees

Unfortunately, the joyful holiday season can turn tragic thanks to faulty Christmas tree lighting. Live trees are very dry toward the end of the season. Hot lights or even tiny sparks from a malfunctioning light fixture can lead to a tree engulfed in flames within mere minutes. 

Be sure to plug tree lights into an outlet that is not overloaded, and do not leave the lights on for too long. Always turn out the lights when leaving home.  

Causes of House Fires in Dallas: The Bottom Line

House fires can be terrifying ordeals and lead to thousands of dollars in damage and the loss of loved ones and pets. Fortunately, preventing the most common causes of house fires isn’t difficult. Never leave flames and holiday lighting unattended and keep flammable materials away from open flames. 

If your home has been damaged in a fire, we’re here for you. Contact us online. Or call us at (972) 690-1414 any time, day or night, for a free estimate on our Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Services.