- According to studies from the United States Fire Administration, between 1998 and 2007, 397,650 average annual residential fires took over 3000 lives and caused over $600,000,000 in property loss per year. The same studies reveal that, in 2007, fire killed more United States citizens than all combined natural disasters, with 83.5% of all civilian fire deaths occurring in homes.
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The kitchen is a common starting point for house fires. Whether grease spatter sparks a flame, a kitchen towel gets too close to a hot burner, or someone puts a metal twist tie in the microwave, fire can quickly consume a kitchen.
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Lighters, matches, candles and cigarettes can easily lead to house fires if not used with caution. Children playing with lighters and matches can easily set fire to their own clothing or furniture. Candles sitting too close to an open window or vent or placed where they can easily be knocked over can start fires. Cigars and cigarettes can fall onto furniture and quickly set it ablaze, as can emptying an ashtray with a smoldering butt into a garbage can.
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Holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees (especially live trees), Christmas lights, jack-o-Lanterns, and other flammable decor can easily start a blaze. Birthday candles, menorahs and sparklers and bottle rockets can also present fire hazards.
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Improperly maintained fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can start fires. Space heaters, both electric and kerosene, are also hazardous when used improperly or placed too close to furniture or draperies.
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Older homes with original wiring and electrical systems, combustible insulation and dry wood in the structure can present strong fire hazards. Old wiring, susceptible to fraying caused by age or rodent damage, and older electrical outlets that cannot handle modern electrical loads will continue to weaken and decay, creating a risk for fire.
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Arson and suspicious fires carried out for revenge, murder, vandalism or to commit insurance fraud cost hundreds of lives per year. According the United States Fire Administration, $733 million in losses occurred from intentionally set structural fires in 2007 alone.
