What are common fire hazards at home?

Fires can start in a home for many reasons. Being aware of potential fire hazards can help prevent fires from occurring. This article will discuss some of the most common fire hazards that exist in homes and steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of fires.

Cooking

The kitchen is one of the most common locations for home fires to start. Cooking equipment, including stovetops, ovens, microwaves, toasters and more can all be fire hazards if not used properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment was the leading cause of home fires from 2014-2018, accounting for a staggering 49% of home fires during that time frame.

Specific cooking hazards that can lead to fires include:

• Leaving cooking food unattended – This is especially dangerous for foods that can easily ignite such as oils or foods that can dry out while cooking.
• Wearing loose clothing while cooking – Loose hanging sleeves can easily catch fire if they come in contact with a gas burner flame or electric coil.
• Placing flammable items too close to the stove – Kitchen towels, potholders, paper towels and more can ignite if placed too close to a heat source.
• Build up of grease – Allowing grease to build up on stove tops, in ovens, on microwaves and more is a major fire hazard.
• Faulty equipment – Malfunctioning heating elements, frayed electrical cords and other issues can lead to fires.
• Unattended appliances – Leaving equipment on when not in the kitchen, such as overnight cooking, can be extremely dangerous.

Steps that can be taken to reduce cooking fire hazards include:

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from cooking surfaces.
• Clean cooking equipment regularly to prevent grease buildup.
• Make sure appliances are turned off when not in use.
• Wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Replace old or damaged appliances that may pose a fire risk.

Electrical

Electrical equipment, wiring and appliances are also major contributors to home fires. The NFPA reports electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in over 35% of home fires from 2014-2018. Specific electrical hazards include:

• Overloaded outlets – Plugging too many appliances into one outlet can lead to overheating and sparks.
• Damaged or loose wiring – Exposed, fraying or otherwise compromised wires can ignite.
• Old wiring – Outdated wiring that cannot handle modern appliance loads poses a threat.
• Faulty appliances – Defects in appliances such as short circuits can create fire conditions.
• Improper use of extension cords – Running them under rugs, overloading them and other improper uses is hazardous.

Steps to reduce electrical fire risks include:

• Do not overload outlets. Use appropriate wattage rated surge protectors when needed.
• Inspect wiring and have an electrician make any needed repairs.
• Use bulbs and appliances that match the wattage recommendations for light fixtures and outlets.
• Use extension cords properly and temporarily. Do not substitute for permanent wiring.
• Inspect appliances regularly for damage and stop using immediately if there are signs of problems.

Smoking

Cigarettes and other smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths according to the NFPA. Smoking materials caused over 15,000 home structure fires per year from 2014-2018. Smoking in bed or when drowsy leads to many fatal fires each year.

Precautions to take include:

• Never smoke in bed or when sleepy. Put cigarettes out completely before dozing off.
• Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays and empty them frequently.
• Don’t leave cigarettes unattended and extinguish them if left alone.
• Never smoke around medical oxygen.
• Never smoke if medical conditions or medications make you drowsy.
• Consider smoking outdoors only to limit indoor smoking risks.

Candles

Burning candles are an open flame hazard if not used cautiously. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), candles caused an estimated average of 8,000 home fires per year from 2014-2018. Safety tips include:

• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
• Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
• Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting.
• Always use candle holders designed for the candle to catch dripping wax.
• Choose larger, wide base candles that are less easily tipped over.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters can pose significant fire risks if used improperly. Space heaters caused over 2,000 home fires per year from 2014-2018 according to the NFPA. Safe usage guidelines include:

• Place on a level, nonflammable surface away from things that can ignite.
• Plug directly into an outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
• Don’t leave on when sleeping or away from home.
• Keep at least 3 feet of empty space around the heater.
• Select a unit with safety features such as automatic shutoff if tipped.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces frequently contribute to home heating fires, including over 4,000 fires per year during 2014-2018, reports the NFPA. Chimney fires due to buildup of creosote are particularly dangerous. Safety measures include:

• Have the chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a professional.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
• Allow ashes to fully cool before disposing.
• Use a fireplace screen to catch flying sparks.
• Don’t burn trash or other debris in the fireplace.
• Extinguish fireplace fires before going to bed or leaving home.

Hazardous Household Chemicals

Certain household chemicals such as solvents, oils and cleaning agents can ignite if mishandled. According to the NFPA, flammable liquids caused over 3,000 home fires per year between 2014-2018. Safety tips:

• Properly store chemicals in labeled, appropriate containers.
• Limit storage amounts and dispose of properly when expired.
• Never store combustibles in open containers near ignition sources.
• Never mix chemicals as toxic fumes or reactions can result.
• Follow all manufacturer safety directions carefully.

Unattended Burns and Heat Sources

Accidental fires commonly occur when heat sources are left unattended. Specific examples include:

• Leaving food, grease or oil cooking on the stove or in the oven unsupervised.
• Leaving burning candles or oil lamps unattended.
• Falling asleep while smoking.
• Leaving fireplaces, grills and space heaters burning without supervision.
• Leaving clothes dryers running when away from home.

Simple diligence in ensuring that all cooking appliances are turned off and that open flames are properly extinguished before leaving an area can dramatically reduce these types of fires.

Flammable Storage

Improperly storing flammable materials greatly increases the chances of accidental fires. It’s critical to store these items safely:

• Solvents, oils, paints and cleaning agents
• Newspapers, books and other paper products
• Rags soaked in combustible materials
• Lighter fluid, charcoal and grilling supplies
• Gasoline, propane and other automotive/equipment fuels
• Fireworks

Follow these guidelines for safe storage:

• Limit storage quantity amounts.
• Store in closed, appropriately rated containers.
• Keep away from any ignition sources.
• Store in cool, dry locations outside of living areas.
• Discard rags soaked in chemicals promptly and properly.

Old or Damaged Electrical Systems and Appliances

As electrical wiring and appliances age, the risks of them malfunctioning and starting a fire increases. Warning signs include:

• Frequently tripped breakers and blown fuses.
• Lights dimming when appliances turn on.
• Discolored outlets or switch plates.
• Unusual odors from appliances or outlets.
• Cords, plugs or outlets that are warm/hot to the touch.
• Flickering lights.
• Buzzing, chirping or popping sounds from outlets.

If any of these signs occur, appliances or wiring should be inspected by an electrician and upgraded or replaced as needed.

Lint Buildup in Clothes Dryer

Failure to frequently clean lint out of clothes dryers is a major fire hazard. Lint can accumulate in vents and other dryer components and ignite due to overheating. Prevention steps include:

• Use rigid or flexible metal venting material, not plastic which can burn.
• Clean lint out of the dryer drum, vents and trap after each use.
• Scrub accumulated lint out of vents and vacuum inside dryer housing annually.
• Do not operate dryer without the lint trap installed.
• Replace plastic or foil accordion vents with smooth metal vents.

Improper Disposal of Ashes

Ashes from combustibles, especially cigarettes, frequently ignite hours or even days after the initial fire is out. Embers can smolder unnoticed in ashes. Prevention tips:

• Always douse ashes with water before disposal.
• Allow ashes to fully cool in noncombustible containers for several days before disposal.
• Never place hot ashes in cardboard boxes, paper bags or wood receptacles.
• Store ashes containers away from the home/garage.

Faulty Wiring in Appliances and Equipment

Appliances, lamps, tools and other equipment can harbor unseen electrical faults that may lead to fires. Warning signs requiring inspection and repair:

• Damage to electrical cords such as fraying or cracks exposing wiring.
• Warmth or discoloration of cords or outlets during operation.
• Sparking from equipment.
• Performing poorly or inconsistently, such as appliances heating slowly.
• Tingling mild shocks from contact with equipment.

Flammable Furniture and Textiles

Upholstered furniture and textiles treated with chemical flame retardants have declined over the past several decades. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, this has led to an increase in fire incidents and deaths involving furniture and bedding.

Take these precautions with upholstered furniture and bedding:

• Choose furniture bearing a fire-resistant tag.
• Select furniture with synthetic filling versus feather/down which can burn faster.
• Avoid open flame ignition sources like candles around upholstered furniture.
• Replace mattresses made prior to 2007 with newer fire-resistant models.

Smoking in Bed

Smoking in bed is extremely dangerous. NFPA reports that smoking materials accounted for over 5,000 bed fire deaths from 2014-2018. Embers can easily ignite bedding while falling asleep or unattended.

Precautions include:

• Never smoke in bed or when tired. Get up and move to a chair.
• Use large, deep ashtrays if smoking while sitting on furniture.
• Extinguish cigarettes and check for embers before getting into bed.
• Consider quitting smoking entirely.

Children Playing with Fire

Children experimenting with fire cause thousands of home fires every year. Over 1,000 fires during 2014-2018 began with bedding or upholstered furniture ignition by lighters or matches used by children under 10 years old.

Steps parents must take include:

• Store matches, lighters and novelties out of children’s reach and sight.
• Teach children to never touch matches and lighters.
• Use lockable covers on gas stove knobs when not cooking.
• Supervise young children closely at all times.

Faulty Central Heating

Defective or poorly maintained central heating systems elevate the risks of home fires. Have a technician inspect heating systems annually and watch for these warning signs:

• Soot collecting around vents.
• Burn or scorch marks on registers.
• Frequent clicking noises.
• Gas smells around system.
• Unusually high heating bills.
• Sections of the home do not heat properly.

Natural Gas Leaks

Natural gas leaks pose a major explosion hazard. While rare, devastating fires and explosions can occur if leaks ignite. Warning signs requiring immediate action include:

• Distinctive rotten egg odor.
• Unusual dead or dying vegetation near gas equipment.
• Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks/ponds near pipelines.
• Hissing or whistling noises from pipes.
• Dirt blowing from small holes in the ground.
• Flames if the leak ignites.

Conclusion

Home fires claim lives and result in billions of dollars in property damage annually. While some factors like cooking are common causes, fires can originate from numerous sources. Being watchful for potential hazards and taking preventative measures greatly improves home fire safety.