7 Common Causes of House Fires and How to Prevent Them

House fires can happen quickly and destroy homes and lives. Understanding the most common causes of house fires can help you take steps to prevent them. This comprehensive guide examines the 7 leading causes of house fires and provides expert advice on fire prevention and safety.

Introduction

House fires are a serious threat to life and property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 358,500 house fires are reported each year in the United States alone, causing around 2,630 deaths, 12,600 injuries and $7.9 billion in property damage [1].

While the number of house fires has been steadily declining over the past few decades thanks to better construction standards, public awareness campaigns and the widespread use of smoke alarms, house fires remain a significant problem.

Knowing the main causes of house fires allows homeowners to identify and address fire hazards. Expert prevention tips also empower families to reduce their risk and create escape plans. Read on to learn the 7 most common triggers of house fires and how you can help prevent fire tragedy.

1. Cooking Equipment

Cooking equipment, including stoves, ovens and microwaves, is the leading cause of house fires and home fire injuries. Cooking fires account for a staggering 49% of all house fires annually [2].

Common Cooking Fire Triggers

Unattended cooking – The most common mistake is leaving cooking food unattended. Fires start when grease, oil or other combustibles catch fire.
Loose clothing – Loose sleeves have the potential to catch fire if they come in contact with a gas burner flame.
Faulty stoves – Old or poorly maintained stoves, especially gas ranges with leaking fuel lines, can start fires.
Combustible materials – Flammable items like oven mitts, towels or packaging too close to the stovetop or oven can ignite.

Preventing Cooking Fires

Stay in the kitchen when cooking and avoid distractions. Use timers as reminders.
Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet from the stove or other appliance.
Wear tight-fighting or short sleeves when cooking. Avoid loose fabrics.
Clean stove drip pans and vents regularly to prevent grease build-up.
Ensure gas stoves are properly installed and maintained. Check for leaks.
Never leave cooking food unattended. Set timers to remain vigilant.

2. Electrical Fires

Electrical failures and faulty wiring account for over 32,000 house fires every year in the U.S., making it the second most common cause [3]. These fires result from electrical system overload, poor maintenance or deteriorated wiring and equipment.

How Electrical Fires Start

Faulty outlets – Outlets that overheat, spark or emit burning smells indicate a fire hazard.
Damaged cords – Fraying or cracked extension cords or power cords pose a serious risk.
Old wiring – Outdated aluminum wiring or ungrounded two-prong circuits can cause fires.
Overloaded circuits – Plugging too many appliances into one outlet can lead to overheating.
Loose connections – Electrical fires start when wires are improperly installed or connected.

Tips for Preventing Electrical Fires

Have an electrician inspect wiring that shows signs of damage, overheating or fraying.
Use extension cords properly and don’t overload them.
Insert plugs fully into outlets to avoid loose connections.
Update outdated wiring. Have a licensed electrician replace aluminum wiring.
Use surge protectors instead of plugging multiple devices into one outlet.
Unplug small appliances like hair straighteners when not in use.

3. Heating Equipment

Heating equipment is attributed to over 56,000 fires each year [4]. Leading causes include chimneys that need cleaning, furnaces with built-up creosote deposits, and blocked vents or flues that compromise ventilation.

How Heating Units Start Fires

Creosote buildup – Combustible creosote accumulates in chimneys and ignites.
Kerosene heaters – Knocked over portable kerosene or electric space heaters can start fires.
Gas furnaces – Leaking gas lines or broken furnaces lead to gas leaks and explosions.
Faulty wood stoves – Old stoves and improper installation causes fires.
Blocked vents/flues – Blockages impede ventilation in furnaces, fireplaces, etc.

Preventing Heating Unit Fires

Have chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
Use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on fireplaces.
Give space heaters 3 feet clearance on all sides. Never leave unattended.
Have a professional check gas appliances annually. Repair leaks immediately.
Ensure proper installation and maintenance of wood stoves.
Check vents and flues twice a year for blockages to allow proper airflow.

4. Arson

While accidental fires are common, a shocking 29% of house fires are intentionally started [5]. Arson is a leading cause of house fires. Juveniles playing with fire, vandalism and motivated offenders all pose threats.

Who Commits Arson and Why

Troubled juveniles – Minors experimenting with fire or actuated by mental health issues.
Intoxicated individuals – impaired judgment causes carelessness with flames.
Financial motivations – Perpetrators seeking insurance payouts by destroying property.
Revenge/hate crimes – Grudges or premeditation leads to targeted arson.
Concealing other crimes – Arson can be used to hide evidence of a crime.
Vandalism/mischief – Random property destruction often caused by juveniles.

Preventing Arson

Keep lighters, matches and accelerants locked up and out of sight. Educate kids about fire risks.
Install video surveillance cameras around the property as a deterrent.
Keep flammable items like debris or cardboard away from structures.
Address grudges, disputes or termination amicably. Arson may target employers.
Secure vacant homes from unwanted entry by potential vandals.
Report suspicious behaviors like casing properties to law enforcement.

5. Smoking Materials

Careless smoking causes around 90,000 fires each year in the United States [6]. Cigarettes igniting upholstered furniture, mattresses or bedding are the most common causes. Embers in ashtrays also start many fires.

How Smoking Causes Fire

Smoking in bed – Falling asleep while smoking allows cigarettes to ignite bedding.
Debris-filled ashtrays – Ashtrays emptied into trash receptacles with combustible items causes ignition.
Discarded cigarettes – Improperly discarded cigarettes in mulch or potted plants start fires.
Unattended cigarettes – Leaving cigarettes unattended on furniture allows ignition of combustible upholstery.
Oxygen tanks – Embers ignite pure oxygen from tanks used for medical purposes.

Smoking Fire Prevention Tips

Never smoke in bed and avoid smoking when tired or medicated.
Use deep, non-tip ashtrays and empty them frequently into non-combustible containers.
Never toss cigarette butts into vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping.
Check furniture and cushions for fallen cigarettes or embers after smoking indoors.
Keep oxygen tanks far from areas where smoking occurs. Post “no smoking” signs.

6. Lack of Working Smoke Alarms

Non-working smoke alarms contribute to many house fire deaths. Over 60% of house fire fatalities result from fires in homes with no working smoke detectors [7].

Why Smoke Alarms Fail

Missing batteries – Dead batteries from being overlooked at daylight savings time changes.
Disconnection – Alarms disconnected due to nuisance alarms or battery removal.
No annual testing – Failure to perform monthly tests leads to lack of awareness of problems.
Sensor dirt/dust – Dust or dirt clogs sensors preventing alarm activation in fires.
Expiration – Smoke sensors expire after 10 years if alarms are not replaced.

Ensuring Effective Smoke Alarms

Install smoke alarms on every floor, in every bedroom and common area.
Use long-life lithium batteries and replace them twice a year.
Never disable alarms. Quickly address nuisance alarms.
Test alarms monthly by pressing test buttons and listening for sounds.
Vacuum sensors annually and clean with cotton swabs.
Replace the entire smoke alarm unit after 10 years or as recommended.

7. Portable Space Heaters

While convenient, portable space heaters cause over 43% of home heating fires annually [8]. They require safe positioning and attentive monitoring when operating.

Space Heater Dangers

Contact with fabrics – Heaters too close to bedding, curtains or clothing cause fires.
Lack of ventilation – Heaters in confined areas overheat due to lack of airflow.
Leaking fuel – Kerosene heaters leak flammable liquid as fuel tanks age.
Knock overs – Hot heating elements contacting carpets, furniture or bedding causes ignition.
Overload circuits – Plugging into old outlets or cheap extension cords causes overheating.

Using Space Heaters Safely

Give heaters 3 feet clearance from anything combustible like furniture or bedding.
Never leave portable heaters unattended due to risk of knock-overs or contact ignitions.
Situate space heaters on flat, non-flammable surfaces away from walkways.
Check fuel tanks on kerosene heaters for leaks. Discard damaged or leaking heaters.
Operate in ventilated areas to allow heat circulation and prevent overheating.
Use newer outlets with sufficient capacity and amperage ratings.

How to Further Prevent House Fires

While the top 7 causes account for the majority of house fires, implementing these additional fire prevention measures can further reduce risks:

Install fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas like kitchens and have them serviced annually.
Create escape routes and practice exit drills to get families out safely in under two minutes.
Store solvents, gasoline and other flammable liquids in metal containers outside the home.
Discard boxes, newspapers and other combustibles regularly to eliminate fuel sources.
Use surge protectors for home electronics and avoid overloading outlets.
Ensure that the clothes dryer lint trap and vent hose are cleaned before each use.
Have chimneys, furnaces, wood stoves, gas lines and fireplaces inspected annually by certified professionals.
Consider installing residential sprinklers for added protection against house fires.

Conclusion

While alarming, house fires are largely preventable through awareness, preparedness and prevention. Avoiding the seven most common causes – cooking, electrical, heating, arson, smoking, lack of smoke alarms and space heaters – allows you to drastically reduce risks. Implementing other fire prevention strategies further safeguards your home and family. Stay vigilant, exercise caution with all open flames and ignition sources, and plan escape routes and smoke alarm maintenance to keep loved ones safe from home fires.

References

[1] National Fire Protection Association, “Home Structure Fires.”
https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-Structure-Fires

[2] U.S. Fire Administration, “Cooking Fire Prevention.”
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/cooking.html

[3] Electrical Safety Foundation International, “Electrical Fire Safety.”
https://www.esfi.org/resource/home-fire-safety-electrical-fires-309

[4] U.S. Fire Administration, “Heating Fire Prevention.”
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/heating.html

[5] U.S. Fire Administration, “Arson Fire Prevention.”
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/arson.html

[6] National Fire Protection Association, “Smoking-Related Fires.”
https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Smoking-Materials

[7] National Fire Protection Association, “Smoke Alarms.”
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Smoke-alarms

[8] U.S. Fire Administration, “Space Heater Fire Prevention.”
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/space_heaters.html