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Leading causes of residential fires in Bend and how to avoid them

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

When you own a home, there are many hazards to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Bend.

What starts residential fires in Bend?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Bend and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
  • Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for long amounts of time may result in internal components breaking down and catching fire. Worn cords and putting heaters next to combustible items like bedding or window coverings may also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems cause fires. Whenever you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated promptly.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and typically result from careless behavior. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or near combustible items will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Bend is to be careful at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Bend

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more near sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency takes place. This is a nice perk, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Bend

Enhance the safety of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your cell phone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (541) 327-4968 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.