Leading Cause of Fire Damage

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Restaurant

We have all heard stories, seen pictures, or even have experienced a fire in our lives.  But what is the leading cause of Fires in America? 

Cooking Fires!

Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire damage in the US.  The reason is because the kitchen is where heat, water, gas, electricity,  and grease come together.  Grease fires can cause huge devastation and most people do not know how to properly put out a grease fire.  The first thing that needs to happen is TURN THE HEAT OFF!  Once you take away the source of the heat, you must place a metal lid on whatever you are cooking and apply baking soda to the top.  NEVER TRY TO PUT OUT A GREASE FIRE WITH WATER!  This will only cause more issues and will make the fire worse. 

The second leading cause of Fires in America is electrical fires.  These can happen for a number of different reasons.  They can include faulty appliances, worn or faulty electrical wiring, improper use of electrical outlets and worn out breaker boxes.  This is especially true for older homes, which do not always have the proper wiring to handle the electrical appliances we use today.  This can cause shorts and sparks that can actually ignite inside the walls.  Also, old circuit breakers are made to shut off electrical current when the circuit is overloaded as a way to prevent fires, but often times the connections may be worn or broken, and do not activate the breaker switch. 

No matter the cause, always be aware that fires can happen at any moment, and to always be prepared for whatever happens!  If you do find yourself in need of professional help after a fire, never hesitate to call SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe at (847)498-8889!