Even the smallest incident can spark a kitchen fire, often causing devastating damage within minutes. At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, our kitchen fire restoration experts have seen the aftermath of these grim events. We understand how many of these fires might’ve been preventable, but that’s not always obvious before it happens.
Tragically, kitchen fires are the leading source of fire in homes across the United States, causing well over a hundred thousand fires every year, and resulting in substantial structural damage, injuries, and even hundreds of deaths. That said, homeowners can always take steps to help safeguard this part of the home, reducing the potential for fire or the need for kitchen fire restoration services.
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we’ve handled the cleanup and kitchen fire restoration for properties across the country. We’ve seen how these events are caused, as well as what preventative measures can help to reduce the scale or impact of fire. With that in mind, we’ll explore common causes of fires, some top tips for fire prevention, and how our kitchen fire restoration services can help when the worst has occurred.
Understanding Why Kitchen Fires Happen and How to Help Prevent Them
3 Common Causes for Kitchen Fires
Hindsight can make certain fire risks more obvious than others. That’s why it helps to understand the top sources of these events. As our kitchen fire restoration experts have seen firsthand, many kitchen fires result from small and seemingly minor issues, but it doesn’t take long for damage to happen. These small causes can include:
- Unattended cooking. The top cause of kitchen fires in America is when cooking is left unattended. Whether a home cook leaves the room, leaves the house, or otherwise leaves stovetop cooking unattended, it can quickly become a hazard.
- Abandoned or combustible materials. When items are discarded improperly, including hot grease or discarded matches, they can also become a fire hazard. Combustible materials left near the stove can also be a concern—including loose clothing or towels, oven mitts, and paper products.
- Electrical fires. Faulty or damaged wiring, an appliance short-circuiting, or overloaded outlets can all result in sparking or other sources of electrical fires. These can be incredibly dangerous, due to the risk of electrocution and other hazards.
Top Tips to Help Prevent Kitchen Fires
So, how do you take steps to prevent the potential for a kitchen fire? Here are just a few suggestions from our kitchen fire restoration team:
- Have and know how to operate a working fire extinguisher. Many homeowners don’t have a functioning fire extinguisher, but this device can be truly life-saving. Make sure you know how to operate it, when it expires, and what types of fires it can be safely used for.
- Vigilance while cooking. It’s easy to forget how dangerous cooking really is! You’ll want to stay near the stove when dealing with high-heat activities such as boiling or frying. If you’re extremely tired, it’s wise to avoid the kitchen altogether.
- Keep an eye out for electrical hazards. Make sure to replace wires that are damaged or fraying. Be aware of burning plastic or rubber odors, and watch out for discolored outlets, which may need further attention. You’ll also want to know how to shut off your power quickly and safely.
Your Trusted Kitchen Fire Restoration Experts
Sometimes, all the vigilance in the world isn’t enough to prevent a kitchen fire. When you’re dealing with the aftermath of this unthinkable event, you need support from people you can count on—and that’s where 1-800 WATER DAMAGE comes in.
We offer comprehensive kitchen fire restoration services for homeowners and businesses across the country, backed by high-impact methods, powerful equipment, and exceptional compassion. With 24/7 and emergency services, we are there for you in your moment of need.
Kitchen Fire Restoration Service for Your Property
For homeowners and businesses, kitchen fire restoration services can be essential for restoring the usability of your space. One call solves it all—so simply contact 1-800 WATER DAMAGE today to get started.