Top causes of residential fires in Los Angeles and how to prevent them

There are many perils you have to keep in mind as a homeowner. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were in excess of 350,000 noted occurrences. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from taking place|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Los Angeles.

What sparks residential fires in Los Angeles?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without notice, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most frequent kinds of residential fires in Los Angeles and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the chief culprit, so always keep an eye on that scorching skillet when cooking. It’s also worth nothing that soaking a grease fire with water will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Area heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long can result in inner components degrading and catching fire. Situating heaters near combustible fabrics like bedding and drapes or using frayed cords can also lead to devastating results. Other heating devices, such as furnaces and fireplaces, might cause fires and need to be inspected frequently.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical issues cause fires. Don’t ever run an appliance with a frayed cord, and make certain combustible materials like paper aren’t layed on top of a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or near ignitable objects will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can bring about destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Los Angeles is to eliminate reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and dispose of cigarettes properly. If you must use a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in case it overturns.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Los Angeles

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and more next to sleeping areas. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to extreme heat. Additionally, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring representatives whenever an emergency takes place. This is a notable perk, especially when you’re not there to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Protect against known threats with a Vivint smart home in Los Angeles

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize 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 comes with professional monitoring. Dial (310) 861-9194 to talk with a Vivint representative.