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Top causes of residential fires in New Brunswick 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 homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 documented occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in New Brunswick.

What sparks residential fires in New Brunswick?

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

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in New Brunswick and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the primary cause, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for long time periods might cause inner parts to degrade and spark. Putting heaters near combustible materials like blankets and curtains or using frayed cords will also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
  • Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Don’t ever operate an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still all too common and typically result from people being careless. Using candles next to ignitable objects like drapery or having them within the reach of a rambunctious pet will often produce disastrous results.
  • Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can give rise to catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in New Brunswick is to be attentive at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning unattended, and get rid of cigarettes properly. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that has an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in New Brunswick

You ought to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more by sleeping areas. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a worthwhile benefit, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against known threats with a Vivint smart home in New Brunswick

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (732) 607-4656 to get started.