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Common causes of residential fires in Albuquerque and how to avoid them

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

When you own a home, there are many risks to keep in mind. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were in excess of 350,000 reported fires. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep them from taking place|. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Albuquerque.

What sparks residential fires in Albuquerque?

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

  • Cooking: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Albuquerque and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the primary origin, so always pay attention to that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that putting water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
  • Heating: Portable heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for too long might cause internal parts to wear out and ignite. Putting heaters by flammable objects like blankets and drapery or using frayed cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, might cause fires and need to be checked regularly.
  • Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications result in fires. Never use an appliance with a tattered cord, and ensure ignitable substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
  • Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from people being careless. Using candles next to combustible materials like drapes or keeping them within the reach of a curious pet will lead to disaster.
  • Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can cause catastrophic results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Albuquerque is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must run a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Albuquerque

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Furthermore, because they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster occurs. This is a worthwhile feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against various threats with a Vivint smart home in Albuquerque

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Dial (505) 605-2321 to get started.