Common Causes of Building Fires

Fires are an extremely destructive force. That idea was on full display in the recent wildfire that swept through parts of Los Angeles, California, leaving thousands of acres scorched and over 10,000 homes and businesses destroyed. Montana has seen its fair share of wildfires, with the Western Fire Chiefs Association reporting that in the last ten years, there have been an average of 61,376 annual wildfires in the state, resulting in an average of 7.1 million acres being burned.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Montana has the resources to combat wildfires and structure fires, thanks to the state’s 282 registered fire departments. One of the challenges that those departments face in the state is geography. There can be a lot of distance between properties, which increases the response time. That is why it is important for everyone to know the common causes of building fires to avoid them.

Kitchen Cooking

For most home or restaurant fires, the kitchen is ground zero for where these fires start. In addition to the flames from the stove, there is also an abundance of flammable oils and grease. Those materials aren’t just used for cooking; they can build up in vents and ovens and trigger fires.

Because of the risk of fire, it is vital to have fire extinguishers ready. Restaurants are mandated to have extinguishers, but they are optional in the home. Home fire extinguishers are easy to find and use. The U.S. Fire Administration has the information.

Heating Equipment

Montana residents are no strangers to frigid temperatures in the winter. This increases the likelihood of heating equipment such as furnaces and boilers being on 24/7. Many portable radiators and space heaters can also be used in garages, barns, sheds, and other areas of the home. Without proper care and maintenance, any one of those heating equipment items can spark a fire.

Electrical and Lighting Equipment

Everything you turn on in your home needs an electrical power source. That means plugging into an outlet to tap into your home’s internal network of electrical wiring. Electricity is also one of those commodities that we take for granted. We always expect electricity to be there when we flip a switch. The only time we notice is when the power goes out. However, there are a lot of problems that can arise with your electricity, including the following:

  • Old or defective wiring
  • Loose connections
  • Faulty fuses
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Imbalanced electrical loads

It is important that your home’s electrical wiring is brought up to code. That is especially important in older homes.

Open Flames

Another major source of building fires is open flames, such as candles, matches, cigarettes, cigars, and outdoor grills. Of course, fireplaces are also considered open flames. Embers from a fireplace can pop out to nearby rugs, kindling, or drapes, so it is advisable to keep your fireplace covered when in use.

You also must be equally cautious with the ashes. If they aren’t properly extinguished when you scoop them out for cleaning, they could reignite and start a fire in the trash.

Arson

Statistics from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) find that 210,300 fires are intentionally set across the country each year. That represents around 13% of all fires called into fire departments to extinguish.

Lightning Strikes

Although rare, lightning strikes are also a potential cause of fires. While these mostly occur in forests, lightning can also strike a home. As reported by KGVO, it happened recently in the Bitterroot Valley when lightning struck a home and reduced it to ashes.

Who Is at Fault?

There is a reason for every fire. Aside from the lightning strikes, there is also someone to blame for every fire. Sometimes, you might have to accept that blame. However, if the fire was caused by someone else’s actions and resulted in your property being damaged or you being injured, you’re entitled to seek a remedy.

The attorneys at Western Justice Associates, PLLC, have a lot of experience investigating fires to hold the right party responsible. If this is something you’re dealing with, let’s talk.