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Oct 28, 2021

Fire Damage Restoration

Five Common Causes Of House Fires And Damage

Five Common Causes Of House Fires And Damage

The thought of a house fire is a terrifying possibility that we all must live with. The effects of a fire can be far-reaching and devastating. The good news is that there are only a few main causes of fires that lead to the majority of house fires. If you protect your home against these causes, you will be well on your way to keeping your home water-damage-free. Thus, below are six of the most common causes of house fires regularly seen by our restoration experts at On-Site Cleaning, servicing Troy.

Fire Damage Restoration In Troy

We Provide Fire Damage Restoration For These Items

  1. Cooking Errors
  2. Portable Heaters
  3. Electrical Heaters
  4. Curious Children
  5. Flammable Chemicals

Cooking Errors

Carelessness in the kitchen leads to a large number of house fires. With all the different sources of heat available in kitchens, this should come as no surprise. Some of the main ways that fires start in kitchens are from grease, leaving sources of heat unattended, and flammable materials being exposed to heat sources. All of this can be avoided by simply being aware of your surroundings in the kitchen. No matter how comfortable you are cooking, never let your guard down since that is when a fire is most likely to occur.

Portable Heaters

All portable heaters should be kept at least one meter away from anything that has the potential to catch fire. This includes furniture, curtains, drapes, clothes, and papers. As obvious as this may seem, portable heaters are still a common cause of house fires because they can happen so easily.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical malfunctions are a common problem, and they can lead to fires in some cases. Be on the lookout for old or faulty wiring to keep this from happening.

Curious Children

Children have a propensity for getting into things they shouldn’t be getting into. Make sure that you keep all flammable liquids and chemicals safely stored away so children cannot get to them.

Flammable Chemicals

If you have any flammable liquids in the home or garage such as petrol, kerosene, or methylated spirits, keep them away from heat sources and check the label before storing them. Be careful when pouring these liquids as well. A small amount of spilled kerosene, for example, will quickly start a fire if it is near a spark.

By giving heed to these tips above, you will be able to prevent the vast majority of potential fires in your home. As a result, you should be able to sleep more peacefully regarding the safety of your home. Nonetheless, if you ever have to deal with any fire damage restoration in Troy, don’t hesitate to give us a call at On-Site Cleaning for help with the fire damage restoration process. 

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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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