Typical Causes of House Fires and How to Prevent Them
by Carolyn Lee Oct 7, 2024
October is Fire Prevention Month, and the aim is to promote fire safety awareness and help protect families and homes.
A house fire can have a disastrous and long-term effect, resulting in damage or loss of property. Fires can also cause burns, aggravate respiratory illnesses, or lead to death.
Since house fires are a significant threat to people’s well-being and valuable property, we are sharing some causes and tips you can use to help prevent fires.
House fire causes and what you can do to prevent them
Cooking: Most house fires start in the kitchen. Some things that can cause a kitchen fire are open flames, hot pans, and pots when overheated. Grease can spontaneously combust and cause a fire when it becomes extremely hot.
Tip: You should keep children out of the kitchen, especially when cooking. It helps to use a smoke alarm for fire detection. Avoid placing the fire alarm over the stove, as it could trigger a false alarm. Keep dishcloths or other flammable materials away from open flames while cooking, and never leave open flames unattended. Also, ensure that you thoroughly clean cookware to minimise the grease build-up.
Candles and kerosene lamps: Candles and kerosene lamps can enhance the ambience and provide light during power outages. However, if left unattended or in an unsafe area, they can become a fire hazard.
Tip: Keep kerosene lamps, candles, and lighting implements like matches or lighters out of the reach of children. Also, ensure they are not close to curtains, paper, or wood (flammable materials) that could ignite easily. Also, do not leave burning candles or kerosene lamps unattended.
Smoking: Improper disposal of smoking materials like half-lit cigarette butts or matches with a flame can cause large fires if dropped on flammable materials. Many smoking-related fires occur in the living area, bedroom, or den when embers fall on combustible materials.
Tip: Avoid smoking in the bedroom or near flammable materials. You should ensure that cigarettes and matches are out and dispose of cigarette butts properly. Do not drop them on wooden furniture or carpets.
Faulty electrical wiring and appliances: Frayed electrical cords or faulty wiring can spark and cause a fire. Some signs of faulty wiring include dimming lights when using another device, a blown fuse, and disconnecting one device to use another.
Tip: Most electrical fires occur when people are asleep. Remember to check electrical devices and wiring to ensure they are working correctly. Get an electrician to check out your electrical wiring, especially if you notice any irregularities while using appliances or light switches.
Chemical fires: The vapours from gasoline and other petroleum liquids can ignite when the fumes are exposed to open flame. These chemicals may also spontaneously combust. Although chemical fires are unexpected and infrequent, it’s worthwhile to pay attention to any unusual or strong chemical odours, particularly when using gas or other combustible material near an open flame.
Tip: You should check the label for how to store chemicals like petrol, methylated spirits, and kerosene. Also, keep these chemicals away from extreme heat. It helps to use caution when pouring them. Lastly, ensure that you store chemicals in a fireproof cabinet.
We hope you find these tips helpful. Use TheGuernseyDirectory.com to search for fire prevention equipment, fire alarm and detection systems, or related products and services.