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

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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of hazards to keep in mind. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen anywhere and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted occurrences. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to keep them from taking place|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Scottsdale.

What sparks residential fires in Scottsdale?

Fires can begin in any location and without warning, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a waste container or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Scottsdale and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the chief culprit, so always watch that scorching skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for lengthy amounts of time may cause inner pieces to degrade and spark. Frayed cords and putting heaters next to combustible materials like blankets or drapes may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. If you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated right away.
  • Candles: If there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and typically result from carelessness. Situating them within an area reachable by pets or too close to flammable items will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or prematurely disposing of smoldering ashes can bring about devastating results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Scottsdale is to avoid negligent behavior. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must use a space heater, do so in short intervals and get one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in the event it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Scottsdale

You should have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more next to bedrooms. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, since they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Safeguard your home against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Scottsdale

Upgrade the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (480) 681-6262 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.