Common Causes of Fort Worth House Fires

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

We hope a house fire never happens to you, but if it does, SERVPRO of Fort Worth is prepared to do a complete fire damage restoration.

The City of Fort Worth reports that in 2019 the fire department responded to 2192 fires. Of those fires 618 were residential. From 2014-2016, Tarrant County held the third position for most structure fires in Texas.

Is your home at risk for fires? SERVPRO of Fort Worth responds to many fire damage scenarios throughout the year, but the truth is we’d rather house fires be prevented. Here’s a guide on how to avoid common causes of house fires.

5 Common Ways a Home Fire Starts

As you read through these house fire scenarios, ask yourself if this is an issue in your home.

Outdated Electrical System

With modern improvements, home electrical systems are now safer. Some older homes have yet to be upgraded so certain parts of the wiring become unsafe. When wires overheat because of an overloaded circuit, the sparks created cause materials to catch on fire.

Kitchen Mishaps

The kitchen is rife with fire potential. Particle build-up from unclean ovens catches fire while baking. Oils and grease become a flame when making contact with the burner. Loose clothing drapes over the stove and catches on fire. Children playing around in the kitchen also pose a fire risk.

Unattended Candles

Those who use candles in the home for fragrance, decorating, and relaxing sometimes forget they are still lit. Some may even go to sleep with one still burning. A candle being knocked over, the glass container exploding, or it being played with by a child or a pet may cause items nearby to catch on fire.

Embers from Smoking

The number of people who still smoke decreases every year, but those who still smoke habitually or occasionally can unintentionally start a fire. Falling asleep while smoking is a common cause for fires when a cigar or cigarette falls from a hand or mouth. Someone might also fail to put out a cigarette completely.

Heating Hazards

Space heaters offer supplementary warmth for drafty homes during the winter, and many come with safety features like automatic shut-off if it tips over. However, space heaters should never be placed close to combustibles like papers, wood, or blankets.

Some resort to using the kitchen oven to heat the home by leaving the door open, but this is highly dangerous as it creates a fire risk.

How to Prevent Fires in Your Home

Sometimes fires are not preventable, but here are some things you can do to correct fire hazards in your home.

• Twice a year, check your smoke alarms and replace the alarm batteries. Some do this during the bi-annual daylight savings time changes.
• Have the heating system, furnace, and electrical systems checked by a professional.
• Don’t leave cooking unattended in the kitchen, wipe up oil and grease spills promptly, 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.
• Keep any flammable chemicals 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 Fort Worth for Fire Damage Restoration

We hope a house fire never happens to you, but if it does, SERVPRO of Fort Worth is prepared to do a complete fire damage restoration. We are available for emergency contact 24/7 and we work with your insurance company for a smooth claims process. Just call (817) 589-1499.