Question:

What are the most common causes of fires in the home and are they preventable?

Answer:

Each year, there are a number of house fires here in Roseburg that could have been prevented. Below are four of the major preventable causes of fires:

Heating sources are often causes of fire. Space heaters, electric heaters, and fireplaces should be used with caution. They should be in a place where curtains, drapes, furniture, or other combustibles aren't close enough to catch on fire. Remember not to overload the electrical circuits with heaters that require heavier wiring. Be sure to have furnaces cleaned and checked regularly by a qualified service technician.

Cooking accidents are a major cause of home fires and cause us a lot of concern. Care should be taken to prevent grease buildup in the stove or range hood. When preparing food, NEVER leave the cooking area unattended. Know how to light a gas stove or oven properly. If the stove doesn't light by the second match, shut off the gas and then wait a few minutes for the excess gas to clear before the next attempt. Have a lid out and on the counter for every pan or skillet in use. You can put fires out by using the lids to shut off the oxygen to the fire. Also, be sure to immediately shut the burner off if there is a fire, and do not remove the lid until the pan or skillet has cooled. While cooking, avoid wearing loose clothing and be very careful not to reach across a burner at any time. Remember, always use a hot pad when removing any pans from the stove.

Smoking is not only a major destroyer of life, it is also a highly preventable cause of fires in the home. If you smoke in your home, provide large, stable ashtrays throughout the home and be extremely careful with smoking materials. Improper handling of smoking materials results in many residential fires. Never set ashtrays on the arms of sofas, chairs, or any place where they may be knocked off. Be sure to rest the cigarette in the ashtray so that it won't fall out of the ashtray as it burns. Make sure all ashes and butts are cold before emptying the ashtray into a trash container. Keep ashtrays emptied and avoid placing tissues or other combustible material in or near the ashtrays. NEVER smoke in bed! If you are likely to fall asleep in a chair or while resting on the sofa, don't smoke. Before going to bed, always check to make sure all smoking materials are cold. Avoid smoking around combustible materials. Always remember to keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.

Electrical wiring can cause a fire if it is not large enough to carry the load being supplied. Check for loose connections, frayed cords, and broken plugs, switches, or outlets. Never overload a circuit. If fuses or breakers are overloading, contact a qualified electrician to determine the problem and to have it repaired immediately. Excess heating of wires may cause a breakdown in the insulation or even a fire in the insulation. If there is an "overheated" smell, treat it