Common Causes of Fire Accidents 

Friday, March 24, 2023

Common Causes of Fire Accidents 

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

A fire is one of the most unpredictable and fast-moving disasters that can cause a significant amount of damage to both people and property. There are a number of different ways that a fire can start, and, unfortunately, many of these are unpredictable and often potentially deadly. A fire can damage or even destroy everything in its path at a rapid rate. By the time it is discovered and attended to, there is often not much left to recover.

If you have been injured in a fire accident, call the experienced attorneys at Malman Law today to learn more about your next steps.

Common Causes of Fire Accidents

There are many household objects that are potentially flammable, and in order to help prevent a fire from starting, it helps to look at some of the common causes that fire accidents start. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Cooking – Many people use the kitchen on a daily basis to cook meals. The kitchen is often central to the home.
• Space Heaters – During the colder months in poorly insulated houses that feel drafty, people will commonly supplement heat with a space heater. Defective space heaters are one of the most common causes of a house fire when people are sleeping.
• Candles – These are used as decoration to create ambiance throughout the house. Unfortunately, if forgotten or left too close to a wall or curtains, a candle can start a dangerous fire. It is also common for people to bump into a candle, causing it to tip over and start a fire.
• Electrical issues – Old, shoddy wiring can cause a short, which can start a fire without any warning.
• Christmas trees – Although these are seasonal, a Christmas tree is one source of fire that many people overlook. A dry Christmas tree that is wrapped in electric Christmas lights can easily catch fire.
• Smoking indoors – Lighting any type of smoking device inside, especially after a night of drinking, can result in a fire. Falling asleep with a cigarette near your bed can cause a blanket or the carpet to catch on fire quickly.

There are many different dangerous ways that a house fire can start, and prevention is an important part of keeping your home safe. Fires are especially dangerous when they start at night when everyone in the house is asleep and unaware. Setting off a fire alarm can be disorienting in the middle of the night, and often it takes time to figure out what is happening and to safely evacuate the premises.

Speak with a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away

The aftermath of a serious burn or injury incurred by a fire can be devastating both physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have been injured in an accident due to a fire, it is advisable to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Malman Law, we are dedicated to advocating for our clients’ rights to just compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.