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Leading causes of residential fires in Fargo and how to avoid them

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

There are many hazards you have to think about as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted fires. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Fargo.

What starts residential fires in Fargo?

Fires can begin in any location and without notice, whether sparked by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Fargo and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for extended time periods might cause internal parts to degrade and catch fire. Worn cords and placing heaters by flammable items like bed sheets or curtains may also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and ought to be inspected periodically.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems result in fires. Whenever you detect flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it investigated promptly.
  • Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Using candles in close proximity to flammable materials like drapery or keeping them within the reach of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Fargo is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Fargo

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency takes place. This is a notable perk, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Fargo

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant updates to your mobile device and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (701) 699-4489 to get started.