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

When you own a home, there are many hazards to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 reported incidents. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Yakima.

What causes residential fires in Yakima?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether sparked by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common types of residential fires in Yakima and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief origin, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long can cause internal pieces to degrade and spark. Situating heaters by combustible fabrics like bedding and drapery or using worn cords can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. Whenever you notice sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and often result from careless behavior. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or next to flammable items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can cause catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Yakima is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that includes an automatic shut-off switch in case it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Yakima

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be tripped due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring specialists whenever an emergency occurs. This is a notable feature, especially when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Defend against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Yakima

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant alerts to your mobile device and the reassurance that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Contact (509) 790-6958 to talk with a Vivint representative.