Top causes of residential fires in Wilmington and how to prevent them

There are numerous hazards you need to think about as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Wilmington.

What causes residential fires in Wilmington?

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

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Wilmington and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief culprit, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that dumping water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for lengthy time periods can cause internal pieces to break down and spark. Situating heaters next to flammable textiles like bed sheets and drapery or using damaged cords can also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical problems result in fires. If you discern burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Placing candles too close to flammable materials like curtains or keeping them within the domain of a rambunctious pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Wilmington is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must use a space heater, do so sparingly and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Wilmington

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more near bedrooms. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to rising heat. Furthermore, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency takes place. This is a nice feature, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Wilmington

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (910) 634-2695 to get started.