Fire Damage: Common Causes and How SERVPRO Can Help

1/9/2025 (Permalink)

A fire can devastate your home or business in minutes, leaving behind damage that can be overwhelming to face alone. Understanding the most common causes of fires can help you take preventative measures. And if the unexpected happens, SERVPRO is here to provide expert fire damage restoration services.

The Most Common Causes of Fires

1. Cooking Accidents
   Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires, often starting from unattended stoves, grease fires, or flammable items near heat sources.
   Prevention Tip: Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable materials away from heat.

2. Heating Equipment
   Space heaters and fireplaces can ignite nearby objects if not properly monitored. Chimneys and heating systems can also pose risks if not maintained.
   Prevention Tip: Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heaters and clean chimneys regularly.

3. Electrical Issues
   Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or damaged cords can lead to electrical fires.
   Prevention Tip: Avoid overloading circuits, use surge protectors, and hire an electrician to inspect old wiring.

4. Smoking Indoors
   Cigarettes, cigars, or ashtrays that are not properly extinguished can ignite furniture or other flammable items.
   Prevention Tip: Always extinguish smoking materials and avoid smoking indoors.

5. Candles
   Left unattended, candles can easily tip over or ignite nearby materials.
   Prevention Tip: Use flameless LED candles or extinguish traditional candles when leaving the room.

6. Appliances and Equipment
   Dryers, ovens, and other household appliances can cause fires if they malfunction or are not maintained.
   Prevention Tip: Clean lint traps regularly and ensure appliances are in good working condition.

7. Arson or Accidental Fires
   Intentional or accidental fires can start from carelessness or mishandling flammable materials.

How SERVPRO Can Help After a Fire

If you experience a fire, quick action is critical to minimize damage. SERVPRO’s fire damage restoration services include:

• Emergency Board-Up and Tarping: Protect your property from further damage by securing windows, doors, and roofs.
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup: We remove smoke, soot, and odors from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces using advanced techniques.
• Water Damage Mitigation: Water from firefighting efforts can cause damage. We extract water and dry affected areas to prevent mold growth.
• Reconstruction Services: Our team repairs and restores damaged areas, from minor fixes to full-scale rebuilding.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

At SERVPRO Team Holcomb, we understand the emotional and physical toll of a fire. Our certified technicians work quickly and compassionately to restore your property to its pre-fire condition.

Protect your property and your peace of mind. Contact SERVPRO Team Holcomb today for expert fire damage restoration.