Leading causes of residential fires in Boulder and how to avoid them

There are a plethora of dangers you must keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 reported occurrences. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Boulder.

What causes residential fires in Boulder?

Fires can sprout up in any location 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: Flare-ups in the kitchen are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Boulder and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that dumping water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Using them for long time periods might result in inner elements wearing down and sparking. Putting heaters next to flammable materials like bedding and curtains or using damaged cords can also lead to devastating results. Other heating elements, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and need to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are several of the ways electrical issues lead to fires. Never use an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure combustible substances like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Burning candles too close to ignitable items like drapes or keeping them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: Despite the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still an undeniable 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 disposing of smoldering ashes carelessly can cause devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Boulder is to steer clear of careless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you need to run a space heater, do so sparingly and invest in one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Boulder

You ought to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more by sleeping areas. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be tripped due to extreme heat. In addition, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring representatives whenever a disaster strikes. This is a nice benefit, especially when you’re not home to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Protect against various dangers with a Vivint smart home in Boulder

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Dial (720) 807-9203 to talk with a Vivint representative.