Some of the most common causes of house fires include cooking accidents, electrical malfunctions, home heating incidents, indoor smoking, candles and holiday-related issues. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residential fires caused $10.8 billion of property damage in 2022 alone.
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Kitchens are the leading location of home fires
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Causes of cooking fires
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Foods are unattended over a lit burner.
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Overheated or spilled oils ignite.
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Flammable materials such as paper products, recipe books, food packaging or rags are left too close to the stove.
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Loose-fitting clothing hangs into the flame or gets caught on a burner.
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Cooking temperature (or flame) is too high
Utah Division of Emergency Management. Cooking. Accessed Jun 28, 2024.
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How to reduce the chances of a cooking fire
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Never leave frying, broiling or grilling foods unattended. If you leave the kitchen, even just for a few minutes, turn off the stove.
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Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, within easy reach, and check periodically to make sure it has a full charge.
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Keep young children and pets at least 3 feet from the stove or oven.
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When cooking, wear close-fitting clothing with tightly rolled-up sleeves.
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Keep a pan lid nearby when you’re cooking, so that if a grease fire erupts in a pot or pan, you can cover it with the lid to contain and smother the fire.
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Pot handles should be turned toward the back of the stove, so they can’t be accidentally knocked into and pulled down.
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Keep all flammable and combustible materials such as paper, rags and cleaning chemicals far away from heat sources.
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No matter how chilly you’re feeling, never use your stovetop or oven to heat your home.
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When cooking foods for long periods, use a timer to remind you that you’ve got something cooking.
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Check kitchen appliances to make sure they’re working properly and free of flammable grease buildup.
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Don’t cook if you’re too tired or stressed to pay attention to your cooking
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Electrical and appliance fires
Electrical fires not only cause injury and death, but they’re also the leading cause of property damage from house fires
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Causes of electrical and appliance fires
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Frayed or improperly used electrical cords.
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Accumulated dryer lint.
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Overheated, improperly maintained, poorly ventilated or defective appliances and batteries.