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

There are a plethora of risks you must consider as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated 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 in excess of 350,000 noted occurrences. Luckily, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Seattle.

What causes residential fires in Seattle?

Fires can sprout up in any spot and without warning, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Seattle and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the primary origin, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for lengthy time periods may result in inner elements wearing down and catching fire. Situating heaters next to flammable textiles like blankets and curtains or using worn cords can also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and usually result from carelessness. Putting them within a pet’s domain or next to flammable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can cause devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Seattle is to avoid reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and discard cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Seattle

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and consider using more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only discern smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. In addition, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Seattle

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your cell phone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (206) 590-6257 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.