Top causes of residential fires in Las Cruces and how to prevent them

There are numerous dangers you have to think about as a homeowner. Fire is foremost among them, as it can arise in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States because of residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were more than 350,000 reported occurrences. Luckily, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Learn more about the causes and how to prevent house fires in Las Cruces.

What causes residential fires in Las Cruces?

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

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread sorts of residential fires in Las Cruces and everywhere else. Neglected stovetops are the primary source, so always keep an eye on that smoking skillet when making a meal. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Running them for long time periods may cause inner parts to wear out and spark. Placing heaters next to combustible materials like bed sheets and drapery or using worn cords will also lead to disastrous results. Other heating elements, such as furnaces and fireplaces, may cause fires and ought to be checked frequently.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical complications lead to fires. Never use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure flammable materials like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it inspected promptly.
• Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires from candles are still frequently reported and usually result from people being careless. Putting them within an area reachable by pets or near combustible objects will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: Even with the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were caused by smoking in 2021. Dozing off while holding a cigarette or throwing out smoldering ashes prematurely can cause destructive results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Las Cruces is to eliminate negligent behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you must operate a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that offers an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Las Cruces

You need to have smoke detectors on every floor and consider using more by sleeping quarters. But you can take your protection to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only detect smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, since they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll notify you and your monitoring professionals whenever a crisis strikes. This is a worthwhile feature, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common threats with a Vivint smart home in Las Cruces

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can personalize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll be thankful for the instant alerts to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (575) 567-8689 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.