Top causes of residential fires in Arlington and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 noted fires. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Arlington.

What starts residential fires in Arlington?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common kinds of residential fires in Arlington and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the main culprit, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for long periods can result in internal elements wearing down and sparking. Placing heaters by combustible textiles like bed sheets and drapes or using worn cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues cause fires. Whenever you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or next to combustible objects will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes too soon can bring about destructive results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Arlington is to avoid reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Arlington

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Arlington

Upgrade the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your smartphone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (703) 791-1576 to talk with a Vivint representative.