Common Causes of House Fires in Dallas, TX

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

We hope you never have to deal with a house fire, but if you do, SERVPRO of North Irving is here to make fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Dallas, TX has the second-largest fire services network in the state. Dallas County Health and Human Services states that “lightning, wildfire, arson, faulty wiring, a remodeling project, or a simple act of human carelessness” are the common causes of house fires.

SERVPRO of North Irving is committed to public safety in the greater Dallas community. While we’re here 24/7 to assist with residential fire restoration, we’d rather house fires didn’t start in the first place.

5 Common Causes of Residential Fires

When a house fire occurs, the big question is how it started. Causes of fires are reported for insurance documentation and fire statistics. Below are some of the most common reasons fires start in the home.

• Electrical

When wires overheat from an overloaded current, this causes sparks and building materials catch on fire. This could start inside a wall and spread quickly. Older homes are susceptible to electrical fires when their wiring has not been brought up to current standards.

• Cooking

Leaving things to cook unattended, combustibles making contact with heating elements, and pressure cookers are common causes of kitchen fires. For example, if someone leaves a pot and it boils over, the grease or oil makes contact with the stove and starts a fire.

• Candles

Candles are handy in the home for fragrance, decorating, and relaxing. When someone lights a candle and forgets about it, the candle might knock over or the glass could break and the flame spread to nearby paper or cloth.

• Smoking

Smoking in or around the house is known to cause fires. When a cigarette isn’t properly put out or if someone falls asleep while smoking, this can start a fire.

• Heating

During the winter we will do anything to warm up. Space heaters offer additional warmth for drafty homes. While some have safety features, they must be kept away from any combustible materials like paper and fabrics. Some resort to using their oven to heat the home with the oven door open, but this is dangerous and creates a fire risk.

How to Prevent House Fires

With house fires, some factors are out of our control. Here are some things you can do to decrease your chances of a fire. 

• Test your smoke alarms and change the batteries twice per year. 
• Inspect your heating apparatuses for electrical problems. Have your furnace checked by a professional. 
• Be careful in the kitchen. Don’t leave cooking unattended, wipe up oil and grease spills, keep loose fabrics out of the way, and don’t use the oven to heat the home.
• Keep dryer vents and lint traps clean and clear of blockage. 
• Check power cords for wire exposure or have an electrician inspect your home if it’s old.
• Store flammable materials safely and away from heat. 
• Be vigilant with the use of candles, fireplaces, and cigarettes. 
• Have fire extinguishers on hand (especially in the kitchen). 

Call SERVPRO of Dallas for Fire Damage Restoration

We hope you never have to deal with a house fire, but if you do, SERVPRO of North Irving is here to make fire damage “Like it never even happened.” We are available for emergency contact 24/7 and we work with your insurance company to ensure that the claims process runs smoothly. Call (972) 986-7677