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Jun 21, 2024

Fire Damage Restoration

Common Causes Of Residential Fires In Michigan And How To Prevent Them

Common Causes Of Residential Fires In Michigan And How To Prevent Them

While most wildfires in Michigan are common and occur between April and June, residential fire damage is no stranger to any property year-round. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them and keep your home safe. Below are five common causes of residential fires and how they can be prevented.

Cause #1: Cooking Fires 

The leading cause of residential fires in the United States is cooking-related accidents. This can be prevented with responsible use of kitchen appliances and due diligence. Keep stovetops clear of anything flammable, and never leave food cooking unattended. If children are in the home, ensure they understand kitchen safety and do not let children cook without adult help and supervision. Be prepared to smother any potential flames if they occur; remember, grease fires can’t be put out with water – they worsen. Using a lid to cover the fire or baking soda spread over the pan can prevent a more significant fire, but only if the flames are smaller and manageable. Most importantly, put your safety first. If a fire continues to grow, get out of the house and call 911. 

Cause #2: Heating Equipment

Another common cause of residential fires is heating equipment within the home. Heating fixtures like furnaces and chimneys should be professionally inspected and cleaned every year. Portable space heaters must be operated according to their instructional manuals and updated as required. Keep flammables, like blankets or curtains, away from heat sources. Keep electrical outlets clear of any flammables and avoid over-charging them as well. These could result in a short circuit and cause a fire. Remember, being diligent is critical to preventing accidents and fires. It’s easy to forget or overlook these simple steps with years of no issues, but keeping an eye out can make all the difference.

Cause #3: Electric Systems 

Faulty wiring can be a trickier problem because it can sometimes be more challenging to spot. Signs of faulty writing can be visibly damaged wiring, discolored or stained outlets, or it can present via other symptoms, like flickering lighting or a burning or plasticky odor. Most of us are not electricians, so don’t hesitate to turn to a professional when in doubt. Regular inspections can prevent a problem, especially if a house has older wiring. There are also preventative steps you can take to minimize damage. Surge protection systems and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters can help reduce damage and potential residential fires. 

Cause #4: Candles 

On average, there are over 8,000 fires annually caused by candles according to the National Candle Association. As always, practicing caution can minimize accidents. Never burn candles without supervision, even if you’re stepping away from your home for a short period of time. Candles should not be left burning overnight while sleeping or leaving the room. Candles should be burned away from potentially flammable materials and in safe locations where small children or animals can’t disturb them. 

Cause #5: Holiday Decor 

Residential fires often increase over the holiday season. Be responsible with holiday decor and celebrating. Fireworks should be operated away from homes and residential areas. Decor-like Christmas trees should be kept away from heat sources and ensure that the lights that are on the tree do not overheat. Decorative lights should be inspected for faulty wiring. There have been past reports of glass ornaments reflecting sunlight to a spot onto carpet or furniture that grew hot enough to burn.

With enough caution, knowledge, and due diligence, most causes of residential fires can be prevented. Accidents are sometimes inevitable and, sometimes, despite our best care and efforts. You and your family’s safety should come first in the case of any residential fires. If a fire occurs, contact a reputable fire damage restoration company such as On-Site Specialty Cleaning and Restoration to assess the damage and restore your house to home. Our team is ready to help you 24/7. Don’t hesitate to give us a call.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lithium batteries are generally safe when used, stored, and charged properly. They are widely used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and more because they are lightweight and store a lot of energy.

However, they can become dangerous under certain conditions:

  • Overcharging or using the wrong charger
  • Exposure to heat or direct sunlight
  • Physical damage (like punctures or crushing)
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Poor-quality or counterfeit batteries

If something goes wrong, a lithium battery can overheat, catch fire, or even explode — this is known as thermal runaway.

Yes, a battery can start a fire under certain conditions. This typically happens when:

  1. Short Circuiting: If the battery terminals are connected directly (e.g., by metal), it can cause a short circuit, generating heat that may ignite nearby materials.
  2. Overcharging: Charging a battery beyond its capacity, especially lithium-ion batteries, can cause overheating and thermal runaway, leading to fire.
  3. Physical Damage: Puncturing, crushing, or damaging a battery can release internal chemicals and cause a fire or explosion.
  4. Exposure to High Heat: Placing a battery near a heat source or in direct sunlight for long periods can increase the risk of fire.
  5. Manufacturing Defects: Faulty batteries may have internal issues that can lead to spontaneous ignition.

This is particularly a concern with lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, and e-bikes.

Yes, fire damage restoration services are designed to address smoke odors and eliminate them from your property. Our team at On-Site utilizes advanced techniques such as thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and air scrubbing to effectively neutralize smoke odors and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, we may recommend specialized cleaning methods and treatments to remove smoke residue from surfaces and materials, ensuring a thorough restoration of your property.

While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, professional smoke odor removal is recommended for thorough and long-lasting results.

Yes, lithium batteries can catch fire even when not in use, although it is rare. This usually happens due to internal faults or environmental factors.

No, lithium batteries do not only catch fire when charging. While charging is a common time for fires to occur—especially if overcharging, overheating, or using a faulty charger— fires can also happen during use, storage, or even when the battery is idle.

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