Unveiling Fire Damage Causes: Common Sources in Homes
Fire damage is a serious issue that can be fatal and cause extensive destruction to residential properties. Many homeowners are unaware of the various sources of fire damage, which puts them at risk of experiencing devastating losses due to a preventable event. In this article, we will discuss some common causes of fire damage in homes and provide tips to help prevent it.
Fire Damage Statistics in Residential Settings
More than 37,000 residential fires occur in the United States each year resulting in nearly 400 deaths and 1,400 injuries. And the damage caused by fire annually is very alarming. In addition to causing a devastating emotional impact on those affected, these fires cause billions of dollars in property damage throughout the US.
On a global scale, more than 330,000 people are killed by fire every year, according to the World Health Organization. This is the equivalent of nearly 900 deaths per day, making it one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide.
When it comes to financial loss due to fire damage, residential property owners are most affected. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that roughly 7 billion dollars in damages occur annually for just this group alone.

In order to reduce the impacts of fire damage, it is important for homeowners and renters alike to be aware of the potential risks and know how best to prevent them.
Understanding the Nature of Fire
Fire is an emission of heat and light produced by a chemical reaction between oxygen and fuel. These reactions occur when there is enough heat, fuel, and oxygen in a contained environment. The classic representation of this phenomenon is known as the "fire triangle," which illustrates the three components necessary for combustion: Oxygen (O2), Heat, and Fuel.

In residential settings, fires typically spread through convection, radiation, and conduction. Convection takes place when hot gases rise and cause the fire to spread quickly. Radiation is the transfer of heat from burning material to other objects in the vicinity. Finally, conduction occurs when a flame in contact with an object transmits heat directly to it.
Common Causes of Fire Damage in Homes
When it comes to fire damage, understanding the common causes of fires in homes is essential for prevention. Knowing what can ignite a blaze and how to avoid those circumstances can help homeowners protect their space from potential danger. Let's take a look at some of the most common fire damage causes in homes.
Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires, and it's important to take preventive measures to ensure that your cooking area is a safe space. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking-related home fires accounted for 44% of all reported residential blazes in 2017. Fires from unattended cooking were the most common cause, accounting for 46% of home cooking fires. Overheated cooking oil or grease was responsible for another 33%.
To reduce your risk of a kitchen fire, never leave cooking equipment unattended and always watch over it while in use. Grease-covered surfaces can become combustible at high temperatures, so keep a lid nearby to smother the flames if needed. Additionally, be sure to clean your cooking equipment and exhaust systems regularly to reduce the build-up of grease and other flammable materials in your kitchen. Finally, make sure that you keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case an emergency situation arises.
Electrical Equipment and Faulty Wiring
Aging, overloaded, and improperly wired electrical systems are the source of many home fires. Warning signs that your home's wiring may be faulty include flickering lights, warm wall plates, sizzling or buzzing appliances, or switches that don't work properly. These are all indicators that an electrical problem might exist and should be addressed immediately.

To prevent electrical fires, homeowners should inspect electrical equipment regularly for signs of damage and wear, such as frayed or exposed wires. It's also important to use safety plugs in all outlets to avoid overloading them and causing a fire hazard. Additionally, appliances should be plugged directly into wall outlets instead of power strips or extension cords whenever possible.
Saves Time and Money
Molds are a common problem in indoor environments and can have serious effects on air quality. Mold spores can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions when inhaled, making it difficult to breathe normally within the home or office. Thankfully, mold remediation can help to drastically improve indoor air quality.
Remediation services involve a professional team that inspects the property and identifies sources of mold (both visible and hidden). Once identified, they will use specialized techniques to remove the mold spores from surfaces, which keeps them from being inhaled. This process often also includes treating surfaces with antimicrobial solutions that prevent future growth.
Smoking in Bedrooms
Smoking in any enclosed area is dangerous and should be avoided. Bedrooms are especially hazardous, as the fire hazard increases due to a lack of ventilation. Studies have shown that approximately 25% of all fires caused by indoor smoking occur in bedrooms.
The best thing to do when it comes to smoking indoors is to avoid it altogether; however, if you choose to smoke indoors, you should always be aware of how the environment can affect your safety. Make sure that no bedding or furniture is near the ashtray and keep an eye on where ashes are being disposed of. Additionally, open a window for ventilation and never forget to put out cigarettes before going to bed.

It's important to remember that smoking in bedrooms can be incredibly dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. Make sure to practice safe smoking habits, no matter where you are lighting up.
Candles
Candles can be a great source of light and ambiance, but they also pose serious fire risks if left unattended or placed incorrectly. To prevent fires resulting from candle usage, here are some important safety tips:
- Always place candles on a stable surface away from materials that could catch fire easily, such as curtains, books, and furniture.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Ensure any burning candle is never left unattended or is extinguished completely before leaving the room.
- Choose candles carefully: check labels for burn times, and do not buy those made with highly flammable materials such as paper or wax blended with wood chips.
- Use appropriate holders or stands, and make sure they are large enough to catch any dripping wax.
- Never use candles in areas with a draft, as this can cause the flame to flicker and create a fire hazard.
Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids can pose a serious fire risk if not properly stored. To minimize the risks of a dangerous fire incident, it is essential to adhere to the following safety protocols:
- Store all flammable liquids in clearly labeled containers and keep them away from any source of heat or ignition, including stoves, furnaces, and other open flames.
- Store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated area that is out of the reach of children, preferably in an area with a fire-resistant floor.
- Ensure that containers are not too full and plastic or metal drums are grounded before filling.
- Be aware of how much liquid is stored in each container; never store more than the designated maximum capacity.
- Make sure that containers are regularly inspected and replaced if they become damaged or rusty.
Grills and Barbecues
Mold is a serious problem, and it's important to address the issue quickly. That's why Romexterra Restoration offers professional mold remediation services to help you get your home back in shape and feel safe again. Our team of experienced certified professionals understands the ins and outs of treating mold infestations, so they can provide a comprehensive solution tailored to your needs.
We have the skills and tools necessary to identify, evaluate, contain, and remove mold growth from any area of your home effectively and safely — no matter how large or small the problem is. Call us today!
The Impact of Fire Damage on Homes
Fires cause damage and can have a devastating impact, both physically and emotionally. Not only can flames quickly ravage structures and possessions, but smoke, soot, and water from firefighting efforts can cause additional damage.
For homeowners whose property has suffered fire damage, the destruction left behind can be heartbreaking. Losses may include sentimental items, treasured heirlooms, and irreplaceable mementos. Unfortunately, the emotional toll of fire damage can be just as damaging as the physical destruction.
Fire safety experts also caution that residential fires have a significant environmental impact. As well as releasing hazardous toxins into the air, fires can contaminate groundwater or surface water with toxic ash runoff. Soot and smoke from fires can also spread far beyond the area of the blaze, leading to potential health risks for surrounding residents.

With such significant consequences from fire damage, it is important that homeowners take proactive steps to prevent a fire in their home. Ensuring that all smoke alarms are working correctly and installing a residential sprinkler system or educating family members on basic fire safety can help reduce the risk of residential fires.
Fire Safety Measures and Fire Damage Prevention
Preventing a fire from occurring in your home is the best way to avoid potential fire damage. Here are some key steps you can take to ensure that your home and family remain safe:
- Install smoke detectors on every floor of your house and test them monthly.
- Keep at least one fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place in your home, and make sure that everyone in the household knows how to use it.
- Create a family escape plan with two exit routes from each room, and practice it regularly.
- Make sure you have reliable fire alarms installed, and replace batteries twice a year.

Maintenance & Inspections
The importance of regular inspections and maintenance of home appliances and systems cannot be overstated. Check all electrical outlets and cords for signs of wear, as well as the heating system, water heater, ovens, stoves, and other household electronics. You should also have an HVAC professional inspect your system twice a year to catch any potential problems in advance.
Homeowner's Insurance
Homeowner's insurance is an essential part of protecting your family and property from fire damage. It provides financial protection in the event of a fire or other disaster. Look for policies that include coverage for smoke and fire damage, as well as temporary living expenses if you need to leave your home while repairs are being done.
Recovering From Fire Damage: Restoration and Rebuilding
Whether it is from a natural disaster or other kind of accident, fire damage can be devastating. It can cause fire injuries, and extensive destruction may require professional help to restore the property back to its original condition. Fortunately, Romexterra Restoration is here to help you rebuild after fire damage occurs.

At Romexterra Restoration, we specialize in providing top-notch services for restoring properties affected by fire damage. Our team of certified professionals is experienced in all aspects of fire restoration and will work diligently to get your property back to its pre-fire condition as quickly as possible. By using the latest techniques, tools, and technologies, we can help you restore your house or business and prevent additional damage from occurring. Call us today!
