Top causes of residential fires in Colorado Springs and how to avoid them

There are many dangers you must think about as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise anywhere and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 noted incidents. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Colorado Springs.

What sparks residential fires in Colorado Springs?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a discarded cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Colorado Springs and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the chief culprit, so always watch that smoking skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that dousing a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for too long can result in inner elements degrading and catching fire. Situating heaters near flammable textiles like blankets and drapes or using worn cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and ought to be examined frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical problems lead to fires. If you notice burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it checked out right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still commonplace and often result from carelessness. Placing candles next to combustible materials like drapery or having them within range of a rambunctious pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Colorado Springs is to avoid careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so infrequently and invest in one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Colorado Springs

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more near sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring specialists whenever a disaster takes place. This is a nice feature, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and contact the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Colorado Springs

Upgrade the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant notifications to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that comes with professional monitoring. Place a call to (719) 666-9853 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.