Top 10 Causes of House Fires

A clean up after fire can be a time consuming and painful process. Even if the fire was limited to just one room, it is likely the damage wasn’t. Smoke travels quickly around the home and many things such as soft furnishings may not be recoverable.

The best way to avoid having to go through the painful process of a clean up after a fire is to make sure you are aware of the top causes of house fires Below are the ten most common causes of house fires.

1. Cooking Equipment.

Most cooking fires start when the chef gets distracted or leaves the room while they are cooking. it only takes moments for fat and grease to catch fire. Always stay in the kitchen whilst you are cooking and especially when cooking with fat and at high temperatures.

2.  Heating Equipment.

Do not use storage or portable heaters to dry clothes and ensure that any portable heaters are kept away from furnishings such as blankets, curtains and upholstered furniture. You also need to ensure that any open chimneys are cleaned regularly.

3. Careless Smoking.

A cigarette but can smolder for hours before bursting into flames, so ensure the only place that the end up is in an ashtray. make sure that your ashtrays are deep and not resting on anything which can catch alight. Do not smoke in bed and make sure to supervise any smokers who may be smoking whilst on medication as this could make them drowsy.

4. Electrical Equipment.

Always use a licensed electrician wherever possible and ensure that you do not overload sockets. Always check cables for bare wires and ensure they don’t become trapped under any  heavy furniture or in doors.

5. Candles.

Leaving candles unattended is one of the leading causes of house fires. They are pretty, they create a relaxing atmosphere, but left unattended, they can also be very dangerous.

6. Children playing with matches.

Keep matches out of the reach of children and teach them about the dangers of playing with matches and lighters from an early age.

7. Inadequate Wiring.

If your electric cabling is inadequate there could be some warning signs. always look out for lights that dim when you turn on another electrical outlet and fuse switches that trip regularly.  Always get an electrician to have a look if you suspect there may be a problem.

8. Flammable liquids.

Make sure that all flammable liquids are stored in a cool space, such as a garage, however not where cars are kept or woodwork or metalwork is carried out as this could cause sparks. Even just overheating flammable liquids can be enough to cause a house fire.

9. Christmas trees and Decorations.

The combination of dry wood and leaves and faulty electrics can be dramatic, so its no surprise that Christmas decorations are one of the leading causes of house fires. Always double check Christmas lights for signs of wear and tear before they go anywhere near a tree.

10. Barbecues.

It doesn’t take much for a barbecue to get out of control. Make sure your barbecue is tended to at all times. Also make sure that it is situated on hard standing, away from houses and outbuildings, and do not use barbecues on balconies.

If you’re in need of some professional help and support to clean up after a fire has caused damage to your home or property, call Rainbow International on 01273 891659