Top causes of residential fires in Burlington and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are numerous threats to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 recorded fires. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Burlington.

What sparks residential fires in Burlington?

Fires can start in any spot and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or a neglected stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Burlington and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the primary source, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can result in internal parts wearing down and sparking. Frayed cords and putting heaters by flammable materials like bedding or window coverings can also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Whenever you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it inspected immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and typically result from careless behavior. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or next to ignitable items will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Burlington is to steer clear of negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you must run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Burlington

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis occurs. This is a nice benefit, particularly when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Burlington

Upgrade the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your smartphone and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (802) 945-2439 to talk with a Vivint representative.