Leading causes of residential fires in San Antonio and how to avoid them

There are numerous perils you must keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded fires. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in San Antonio.

What sparks residential fires in San Antonio?

Fires can begin anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a trash can or an ignored stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most common sorts of residential fires in San Antonio and everywhere else. Ignored stovetops are the main origin, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also important to note that soaking a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for long time periods can cause internal pieces to break down and spark. Damaged cords and putting heaters near flammable materials like bed sheets or window coverings may also lead to devastating results. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and ought to be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overloaded extension cords are a few of the ways electrical issues result in fires. If you detect burning smells, sparking, or flickering lights, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: If there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Placing candles next to flammable materials like drapes or leaving them within the reach of an inquisitive pet will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall decrease in smoking nationwide, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Falling asleep while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes carelessly can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in San Antonio is to be careful at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly discard cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that has an automatic shut-off feature in case it overturns.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in San Antonio

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your home’s safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety features will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis takes place. This is a worthwhile perk, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department.

Defend against common threats with a Vivint smart home in San Antonio

Elevate the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (210) 934-3694 to talk with a Vivint representative.