House fires are a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard. In Canada, there were more than 24,000 residential fires in 2019, resulting in 160 deaths and 1,320 injuries. The good news is that many house fires can be prevented by understanding the most common causes of fires and taking steps to minimize the risks. In this post, we'll discuss the most common causes of house fires in Canada and provide tips on how to prevent them.
Cooking Equipment
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires in Canada and the US. Cooking fires can start when food is left unattended on the stove or oven, or when cooking oil or grease catches fire. To prevent cooki
ng fires, make sure to stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep flammable materials such as dish towels and pot holders away from the stove, and clean cooking equipment regularly to prevent the buildup of flammable materials.
Heating Equipment
Heating equipment, such as furnaces, fireplaces, and portable heaters, is the second leading cause of house fires in Canada. These fires can be caused by equipment malfunctions, combustible materials placed too close to the heat source, or failure to properly maintain heating equipment. To prevent heating-related fires, it's important to have your heating equipment serviced regularly by a qualified professional, keep flammable materials such as clothing and curtains away from heat sources, and ensure that heating equipment is properly ventilated.
Smoking Materials
Smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, are the third leading cause of house fires in Canada. Smoking-related fires can start when smoking materials are not properly extinguished or when they come into contact with flammable materials such as furniture or bedding. To prevent smoking-related fires, make sure to smoke outside, use ashtrays that are deep and sturdy, and keep smoking materials away from flammable materials.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment, including appliances, cords, and outlets, is another common cause of house fires in Canada. These fires can be caused by faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or improper use of electrical equipment. To prevent electrical-related fires, make sure to have your home's electrical system inspected by a qualified professional, avoid overloading outlets, and never use electrical equipment with frayed cords or damaged plugs.
Candles
Candles are a popular source of light and fragrance, but they can also be a fire hazard. Candles can cause fires when they are left unattended, placed too close to flammable materials, or knocked over. To prevent candle-related fires, always place candles on a stable surface away from flammable materials, never leave candles unattended, and consider using flameless candles that are battery-operated.
In addition to these common causes of house fires, it's important to be prepared in case of a fire. Make sure your home has working smoke detectors on each floor and in each bedroom, and develop a fire escape plan with your family. It's also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.
By understanding the most common causes of house fires and taking steps to prevent them, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Be proactive in fire prevention, and remember that fire safety is everyone's responsibility.
For more information or questions, please contact us at Pro-Tech Fire Control Inc