1. Cooking

This is the leading cause of fire damage, accounting for almost half of emergency calls. Within this category, cooking left unattended tops the list as a reason for a fire to start. In many cases, the fire itself happens due to grease or oils overheating. Highly flammable, it may even lead to cooking utensils turning into flames. Along with the stovetop and oven, electrical kitchen appliances may also cause a fire to start.

To avoid this from happening, stay in the kitchen while cooking and properly clean cookware and appliances to eliminate excess buildup.

2. Electrical Fires

Another common culprit of a home fire is faulty wiring. Typically, this happens due to malfunctioning equipment. Whenever there are blown fuses, dimming lights or signs of sparks, it is recommended to have a professional check your electrical system or invest in new appliances. Key equipment to keep an eye on include clothes dryers, air conditioners, fans and cooking appliances.

Another way to avoid an electrical fire is to properly use extension cords and surge protectors. Avoid using extension cords together or overloading them to minimize potential risk.

3. Heating Appliances

For people who want to avoid procuring fire cleaning services, regularly inspect furnaces and fireplaces. More importantly, keep a watchful eye when using space heaters. While they may provide needed warmth, they also may heat up combustible materials. Electric heaters may have wiring issues, as well as the capacity to spark a flame if it is too close to items that are easy to catch fire.

Extra precaution should be taken if using a heater that requires fuel to avoid it tipping or leaking.

4. Candles

Along with delightful smells and cozy ambiance, candles may also lead to a fire starting. Again, leaving them unattended is the main reason that happens. When using candles, ensure their wicks are trimmed before lighting and that they are placed in a safe location away from materials that may easily ignite.

5. Chemicals

While more associated with industrial situations, chemicals in a home are also a potential fire starter. From gasoline to oily rags, even the fumes and vapors may lead to a fire. Although less common, these types of fires often burn hotter and faster. To avoid an incident from happening, ensure gas and other chemicals are stored in approved, tightly sealed containers that are labeled. Leave a little room in the container to help keep the vapors from getting out. Keep the container approximately 50 feet away from potential ignitors, ideally outdoors or in a shed away from the home.

A home fire is a devastating event, no matter how small it may be. Taking extra precautions and knowing the top reasons that cause them makes it easier to avoid them.