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

When you own a home, there are a wide range of risks to keep in mind. Fire is chief among them, as it can occur in various places and anytime. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were in excess of 350,000 documented incidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Bakersfield.

What starts residential fires in Bakersfield?

Fires can begin in any spot and without warning, whether ignited by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Bakersfield and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the primary cause, so always watch that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also important to note that putting water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for long time periods may result in inner components breaking down and igniting. Frayed cords and putting heaters next to flammable materials like bedding or curtains will also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues lead to fires. Whenever you discern sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires from candles are still commonplace and often result from people being careless. Putting them within reach of pets or near combustible objects will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Bakersfield is to be attentive at all times. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, never leave a candle unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you have to use a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in the event it overturns.

Protect your family with a monitored fire alarm in Bakersfield

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only detect smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Additionally, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency takes place. This is a worthwhile feature, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Defend against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Bakersfield

Elevate the protection of your household today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your smartphone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (661) 732-2557 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.