Top causes of residential fires in Boston and how to prevent them

There are numerous perils you have to think about as a property owner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can occur in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were over 350,000 documented occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Boston.

What causes residential fires in Boston?

Fires can start in any spot and without warning, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common types of residential fires in Boston and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the main origin, so always pay attention to that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for extended amounts of time may cause inner pieces to break down and ignite. Worn cords and putting heaters next to flammable objects like bedding or window coverings can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and need to be examined periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are some ways electrical problems lead to fires. Don’t use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make certain flammable materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it checked out immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and often result from carelessness. Putting them within reach of pets or near flammable items will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decline in smoking nationwide, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can cause destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Boston is to steer clear of careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in the event it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Boston

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and think about installing more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Furthermore, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster strikes. This is a notable feature, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Protect against various risks with a Vivint smart home in Boston

Upgrade the safety of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your smartphone and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Place a call to (617) 826-8647 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.