House fires are frightening, unpredictable hazards that can set property ablaze in seconds. Wildfires are common in California, but fires can start in several other ways.

While not all fires are preventable, there are ways to protect your home from the devastation of a future fire. In the event of a home fire, fire damage repair in Rancho Cucamonga is necessary for restoring the home.

Call TMB Construction and Restoration for residential and commercial fire restoration. We pride ourselves on returning the property to its pre-fire condition through our cleanup process, ridding the home of smoke damage, mold, and soot.

Top Causes of House Fires

Based on reports in the United States, here are the top causes of fires and how they start. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), home fire deaths hit a 14-year high in 2022. Property owners should reduce their risk of home fires by practicing standard fire safety.

Cooking Fires

The leading cause of home fires in the United States is cooking, accounting for almost half of all residential fires. The kitchen is typically the one place in the home that features open flame, you probably use it every day. Multiple factors can contribute to an accidental fire, such as leaving cooking food unattended. 

Grease fires can occur when you heat oil on the stove, oven, or cooking appliance, and it becomes hot enough to ignite or erupt from the pan. It is important to supervise the stovetop, especially while food is cooking. Always stay in the kitchen if you’re cooking bacon or frying any food.

You can prevent cooking fires by:

Staying alert and don’t leave cooking food unattended

Moving any flammable items, like dishtowels or wooden utensils, away from the stovetop or heat source

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it

In the event of a flame, turn off the burner and smother the fire with the pan’s lid top or flat sheet pan to keep the fire from spreading. Pour salt or baking soda over smaller flames, or use a fire extinguisher. Unplug and cool down all portable cooking appliances before storing them. 

If a cooking fire has left black soot damage above your stove, don’t use your kitchen. Calling fire damage repair in Rancho Cucamonga is the best solution for proper restoration.

Heating Fires

While cooking fires are the most common home fires, heating fires account for more deaths. Two in five deaths from space heater fires are that of portable space heaters. During the winter, people are more likely to bring in portable space heaters, portable fireplaces, and wooden stoves, to keep warm.

To prevent fires during cold months while using heating appliances: 

Keep any flammable clothes, items, and objects at least three feet away from a portable heating unit

Plug units directly into an outlet, not by extension cord or power strip

Regularly inspect and clean furnaces, fireplaces, and portable units

Only purchase space heaters with an automatic turn-off feature

Fires can also start due to improper use of an open fireplace, misuse of candles, and incorrect following of instructions for appliances. To prevent heating fires and additional damage, read all instructions for your fireplace and portable heaters, and never leave the house if you have these appliances on.

Electrical Fires

The best way to prevent an electrical fire is to have a certified technician inspect your home for faulty wiring, circuits, and outdated outlets. Investing in necessary safety repairs and up-to-code equipment is essential for these types of fires, as they can spark from seemingly nowhere. 

Don’t try fixing electrical complications on your own, especially if there are sparks or hot-to-touch units and wires. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports that arcing faults contribute to more than 28,000 home fires annually. Prevention of arc faults includes the installation of an arc-fault circuit interrupter breaker—estimated to reduce electrical fires by 50% annually.

Smoking Fires

Cigarettes can account for severe, unexpected fires igniting even after you think you’ve put them out. Embers from a cigarette can easily catch on bedding and furniture or emerge from improper trash discarding. Most of these fires start within the bedroom and occur when a person sleeps. 

It is best to always smoke outside and away from the furniture. Use an ashtray if you smoke inside your home to ensure fire safety.

A home fire is devastating, and your safety is of the utmost importance. Our trained professionals specialize in supporting you throughout the entire process.

When it comes to fire damage repair in Rancho Cucamonga, our team at TMB Construction and Restoration takes pride in providing excellent services to our community. If a fire starts, call 911 or your local fire department immediately. For fire damage repair and restoration services, contact us today, and we’ll assess the damage, help you file a claim with your insurance company, and restore your home.