Pennsylvania Fire Damage Experts Answer Your House Fire FAQs

According to Pennsylvania’s Office of the State Fire Commissioner website, Pennsylvania is one of the states that sees the most structural fire damage in the US. Additionally, the number of house fire fatalities in Pennsylvania has been on the rise for several years now, having increased by 47% between 2019 and 2023.

House fires are a sincere threat to Pennsylvania homeowners and the people who live inside, but not everyone knows why a house fire can start or when they should be more careful to prevent a fire from starting.

To help you better understand house fires and fire damage, AfterCare Restoration is here to answer some common questions with facts about house fires.

What Time of Year Is a House Fire Most Likely to Occur?

House fires can occur at any time of the year, in any climate, and even in any weather condition. However, there are two specific seasons in which the number of house fires increases across the US: fall and winter. In fact, the Red Cross reports that December and January are peak months for homes to catch fire and experience major damage.

Why is winter the peak season for house fires?

There are several reasons a home is more likely to suffer fire damage during the winter months, including:

Fireplace accidents

Families begin using fireplaces in the late fall or winter to warm up the house and save on energy bills. As useful and cozy as a fireplace can be, it also welcomes the opportunity for serious accidents to occur. From lighting the fire before conducting a proper chimney inspection to having objects like furniture, decorations, and easily flammable items too close to the hearth, it’s all too easy for an indoor fire to transform into an out-of-control house fire quickly.

Candle use

Winter is a perfect time to turn the overhead lights off and light up the candles for some wintery ambiance. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of seasonal scented candles that embody the fragrances of cinnamon apple pie, winter pine, pumpkin spice, or even campfire? While seasonal candles are as pretty as they are delightful, they can easily cause a dreadful house fire, whether it be from knocking a candle over, having flammable materials too close to the flame, or some other accident.

Holiday decorations

Some of the worst house fires have started because of innocent holiday decorations. While some common decoration materials have become more flame retardant over the years, many decorations made of wood, paper, cloth, or natural material (like Christmas trees or garlands) are susceptible to catching fire if they find themselves too close to a heat source. Plus, with the increase in electric-based decorations both indoors and out in the yard, there is an increased chance of experiencing an electrical malfunction, which can result in fire.

What Is Most Likely to Cause a House Fire?

No matter what season you’re in, there is always the possibility of experiencing a house fire, thanks to common and necessary activities, items, or systems that homeowners use either daily or frequently. These include:

Cooking

The kitchen is one of the most common places house fires start. Your kitchen is full of heat sources that can lead to dangerous, uncontrolled flames if the conditions are right (or wrong, rather). Leaving food to overcook in the oven, grease to overheat on the stovetop, or dish towels to start smoldering when too close to a heat source are all likely to result in a hard-to-control kitchen fire that can quickly grow.

Clothes dryers

It’s not so much the clothes dryer that can lead to a house fire but rather a clogged lint trap, dryer hose, or duct. Cleaning out your dryer lint trap is an important step to take with every load you throw in or remove from the dryer. However, cleaning out the hose now and then is just as important. Otherwise, the buildup of lint, a highly flammable material, can overheat and catch fire, resulting in major fire damage. It’s recommended to have your dryer hose cleaned every 1-3 years, depending on how often you use your dryer.

Heaters

Space heaters are wonderful additions to any room that’s too cold. They are also common culprits for minor or major fires in the house. It’s easy to leave a space heater unattended or unknowingly place a flammable item too close to the face of the heater. Even less flammable items left too close can pose a risk if they’re exposed to heat for too long.

Electrical systems

Electrical systems are some of the sneakiest fire starters because warning signs can easily go unnoticed before it’s too late. Worn wires, poorly installed wires, and damaged wires hide behind walls and outlets, often not revealing any issues until the flames appear. Some noticeable warning signs of electrical problems can include faulty outlets, an acrid odor coming from an outlet, dark spots that form around the edge of an outlet or switch cover, and a breaker that pops repeatedly for no apparent reason.

In addition to looking out for warning signs, also avoid unsafe practices, such as misusing extension cords, using outdated appliances, using broken or faulty appliances, and overloading circuits.

What Do I Do If I Experience a House Fire?

If you find yourself in a house on fire, the first thing to do is to get yourself and your family members to safety and away from the fire as quickly as possible and call 911. If you’re able, provide first aid to anyone who needs it; or, receive aid if you are injured.

Once the flames are extinguished, medical attention or treatment has been provided, and things have settled, your order of business should go as follows:

Call your insurance company.

Your insurance agent may be able to help you by covering property damage if the fire was accidental or proven to not be caused by negligence. They may also be able to help with temporary lodging, meals while you are displaced, and other living expenses. However, you have to make a claim in order to benefit.

Sort through what’s left.

Once you get the go-ahead from the fire department, you can enter your home and search for salvageable items. Don’t linger; go in on a mission to get when you need to and get back out. Being in a home that has experienced fire damage can mean walking on weak flooring or being surrounded by weakened structures that can fall at any moment. Plus, the toxic chemicals in smoke and soot are not safe to breathe in for too long. Essentially, get what you need and get out.

CALL AFTERCARE RESTORATION

AfterCare Restoration is your solution for thorough, professional restoration services that bring your home back to pre-fire conditions. It’s our goal to get you back into your home safely and efficiently without cutting corners. Our fire restoration services include:

Water mitigation
Content removal
Demolition and debris removal
Structural cleaning
Smoke damage removal
Reconstruction

Pennsylvania homeowners can count on AfterCare Restoration for exceptional fire restoration service that you can trust. Call 24/7 for fast responses and thorough service. 215.515.1000

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