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

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

There are a plethora of risks you have to think about as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Riverside.

What starts residential fires in Riverside?

Fires can sprout up in any location and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Riverside and all other areas. Neglected stovetops are the primary source, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also essential to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for lengthy periods may result in inner parts wearing down and igniting. Situating heaters by flammable objects like blankets and drapes or using worn cords may also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and should be examined frequently.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Never use an appliance with a frayed cord, and ensure ignitable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it inspected right away.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still all too common and typically result from carelessness. Placing candles in close proximity to combustible items like drapes or leaving them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
  • Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Riverside is to be diligent at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Riverside

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a nice feature, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Riverside

Enhance the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your mobile device and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (951) 477-3741 to talk with a Vivint representative.