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Common causes of residential fires in Newburgh and how to prevent them

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

There are many risks you need to consider as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 reported occurrences. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them from arising|. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Newburgh.

What causes residential fires in Newburgh?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether ignited by a discarded cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent types of residential fires in Newburgh and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the primary origin, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long can result in inner parts wearing down and catching fire. Damaged cords and situating heaters by flammable objects like blankets or curtains may also lead to disaster. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. Never use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure flammable objects like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it checked out right away.
  • Candles: If there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and usually result from careless behavior. Placing candles too close to flammable objects like drapes or keeping them within the domain of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette in hand or discarding smoldering ashes prematurely can give rise to devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Newburgh is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning, and discard cigarettes properly. If you must operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and invest in one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Newburgh

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your protection a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. Furthermore, because they incorporate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Protect against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Newburgh

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your cell phone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (845) 640-5419 to talk with a Vivint representative.