Vivint Authorized Retailer Las Vegas
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Las Vegas, Henderson, & Surrounding Areas

Leading causes of residential fires in Las Vegas and how to prevent them

September 25, 2023
Man surprised by smoke pouring out of oven

There are a plethora of dangers you need to consider as a homeowner. Fire is chief among them, as it can arise in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. Also during this year, there were more than 350,000 recorded occurrences. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Las Vegas.

What causes residential fires in Las Vegas?

Fires can start anywhere and without notice, whether sparked by a burning cigarette in a garbage can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

  • Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common sorts of residential fires in Las Vegas and all other areas. Unattended stovetops are the primary source, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
  • Heating: Space heaters are well established as a cause of residential fires. Operating them for long periods might result in inner parts wearing down and catching fire. Worn cords and putting heaters next to combustible materials like blankets or drapes may also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, could cause fires and should be inspected frequently.
  • Electrical: Worn out wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications lead to fires. If you detect sparking, flickering lights, or strange odors, get it checked out right away.
  • Candles: Whenever there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still frequently reported and often result from careless behavior. Placing them within an area reachable by pets or too close to combustible materials will often result in disaster.
  • Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking across the country, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Falling asleep with a cigarette still burning or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can give rise to devastating results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Las Vegas is to eliminate careless behavior. Always keep an eye on things when cooking, don’t ever leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so in short intervals and use one that offers an automatic shut-off safety precaution in case it is knocked over.

Get help quickly with a monitored fire alarm in Las Vegas

You need to have smoke detectors on all floors and consider using more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These modern safety components will not only discern smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. In addition, considering they are part of your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster strikes. This is a notable benefit, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Defend against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Las Vegas

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your cell phone and the reassurance that comes with professional monitoring. Dial (725) 444-7026 to get started.