Common causes of residential fires in Helena and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are many risks to consider. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can arise in any place and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 reported occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Helena.

What starts residential fires in Helena?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent types of residential fires in Helena and elsewhere. Ignored stovetops are the main origin, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that drenching a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Area heaters are a well-known cause of residential fires. Running them for too long may cause inner pieces to wear out and ignite. Situating heaters by combustible materials like bedding and drapes or using damaged cords may also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, could cause fires and ought to be examined regularly.
• Electrical: Old wiring, defective outlets, and overwhelmed extension cords are a few of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. Don’t use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure ignitable objects like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it checked out promptly.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and often result from careless behavior. Putting them within reach of pets or next to combustible items will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off with a cigarette still burning or throwing out smoldering ashes too soon can bring about devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Helena is to be diligent at all times. Always watch closely when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly discard cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Helena

You ought to have smoke detectors on every floor and more near sleeping areas. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety features will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. In addition, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis strikes. This is a notable benefit, particularly when you’re not there to hear the alarm and phone the fire department.

Safeguard your home against known risks with a Vivint smart home in Helena

Enhance the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant notifications to your cell phone and the reassurance that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (406) 926-5388 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.