In the United States, there are an estimated 350,000 house fires each year. These fires cause an estimated $7 billion in damage and result in over 2,500 deaths.
While the overall number of house fires has been declining in recent years, the cost of damages has been rising. This is likely due to the fact that homes are being built with more expensive materials and contents.
There are many different causes of residential fires, but some are more common than others. In Tennessee and Northern Alabama, the most common causes of residential fires are cooking, heating, and electrical.
Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires in the United States. It is estimated that there are over 150,000 cooking-related fires each year. The majority of these fires are started by unattended cooking, so it is important to never leave your food unattended while cooking.
Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires. This is typically due to space heaters, fireplaces, and other heating sources that are not properly maintained. It is important to have your heating system serviced regularly and to keep anything that can catch fire at least three feet away from heat sources.
Electrical fires are the third leading cause of residential fires. These fires are often caused by faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, and electrical appliances that are not used properly. It is important to have your home’s electrical system inspected regularly and to only use appliances as they are intended to be used.
While there are many different causes of residential fires, the three listed above are the most common in Tennessee and Northern Alabama. By taking some simple precautions, you can help to prevent a fire in your home.