The Top 5 Fire Risks That All Homeowners, Landlords, Property Managers and Airbnb Hosts Should Know About

Knowing the top causes of home fires can better prepare you to minimize your risk and reduce your chance of fire. With a bit of care, no one needs to be part of the ~5,000,000 home fires that occur per year. Here are the five most common causes of home and rental property fires according to the National Fire Protection Association.

1. Cooking

The number one cause of house fires is leaving an active cooktop unattended. It takes less than 30 seconds for something that is smoking to ignite into a fire. Never leave your stovetop unattended while cooking, and make sure you warn your tenants and Airbnb guests of the risks.

A situation that can easily avoided with a bit of common sense and awareness around the stove.

2. Heating Equipment

Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires. Space heaters must always be plugged directly into an outlet, not an extension cord. Use a heater with automatic shut-off when tipped over, and keep it 3 feet away from anything flammable. Unplug it completely when going to bed or leaving the house. Fireplaces must be cleaned frequently and should be professionally cleaned and inspected yearly. When the fireplace is in use make sure to use a screen that’ll block rolling logs and flying sparks. Put ashes into a covered non-combustible container and cover them with water. Make sure they’re 100% cool before leaving the house or going to bed.

Always uses a cover or screen if heating your home with wood.

3. Smoking

Smoking is the number one cause of home fire deaths and is easily preventable. Smoke outdoors and use a sturdy ashtray. When cleaning up, douse the ashes and butts in water or sand before discarding in a trash can away from the house. Don’t smoke in bed or anywhere you might fall asleep. NEVER smoke in a house where medical oxygen is used.

Smoking is just a bad idea, period.

4. Electrical Problems

Have your home inspected annually by an electrician. Plug major appliances and heat producing ones, such as toasters or space heaters, directly into outlets; only plug 1 high-wattage one into an outlet at a time to avoid overloading. Extension cords and power strips should be used temporarily and never under carpets. Keep appliances away from water and inspect them regularly for damage or wear and tear. Never exceed a lamp’s recommended light bulb wattage. Regularly blown fuses or tripped breakers, as well as warm or sparking outlets, indicate an overloaded circuit or wiring problem. Call an electrician to inspect and fix the problem.

Especially if your wiring is old, extra care needs to be taken in order to avoid a disaster.

5. Candles

Negligence is the cause of candle fires, so blow them out when leaving the room or going to bed. Keep lit candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable and out of reach of children or pets. Place them in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic candle holders in a spot where they won’t be knocked over. Never light candles in sleeping areas or where medical oxygen is used. When the power goes out, use a flashlight instead. Use battery-operated flameless candles as a safe alternative. Check your home for any of these hazards and use the tips to protect your home from a fire.

Candles are cozy, but they are still an open flame and can be disastrous if left unattended.

Check your home for any of these hazards and use the tips to protect your home from a fire. Let your family, renters and Airbnb guests know these top risks so they can avoid preventable tragedy or damage.

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Victor Jablokov is the CEO of Wallflower Labs, a technology company based in Boston, MA that is developing products to reduce home fires caused by cooking. Learn more at wallflower.com.