Tucson house fires can happen all year, but they are more common in the winter months. Even though winter in Arizona is mild, lower temperatures means the people turn on the heat and light fires to keep the chill away. Additionally, holiday decorations can lead to electrical fires. It doesn’t take much to start a fire that can quickly grow out of control. Here, the Tucson burn injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys review the top causes of Tucson house fires and offer some fire prevention safety tips.
Causes of Tucson House Fires in Winter
The National Fire Protection Association reports that during the months of November and January, over 100,000 house structure fires occur annually in the United States (NFPA). As people tend to spend more time indoors during the cold months of winter, fire prevention this time of year is especially important. Some causes of winter Tucson house fires include:
- Holiday lights: holiday decorations are a mainstay of the season, but they can quickly turn into a deadly fire hazard. Decorating for the season can quickly lead to a Christmas light electrocution injury, if you’re not careful.
- Candles: lighting a candle is a quick way to add a cozy element to your home, but candles are among the top five causes of house fires in the United States.
- Heating units: heating equipment is the leading contributor to fatal house fires, according to NFPA statistics. Portable space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves are just a few of the heating sources that may start a deadly Tucson house fire.
- Cooking: getting together with family and friends and cooking is one of the highlights of the holiday season. When cooking a large meal, it is easy to forget to turn off the stove or to let something sit on the burner too long.
- Fireplaces: for those with a fireplace in their home, there’s nothing that warms up your home or sets the mood for a festive holiday event like a fire. Just a single spark can grow into a fire.
- Overloading outlets: electric fires are common in winter months due to space heaters, decorations, and additional lights for shorter days.
Tips to Prevent Tucson House Fires
Many of the top causes of Tucson house fires are must-haves for the holiday season and winter months. When they are used improperly, these seasonal items can turn deadly. Follow these tips to prevent Tucson house fires this winter.
- Check smoke detectors: house fires are the most common cause of fatal burn injuries. Making sure your smoke detectors are working properly is the best way to prevent Tucson house fires. Those who live in large homes should consider installing additional smoke detectors in every room.
- Use the right holiday lights: make sure all electric holiday lights are UL-certified, and inspect all cords for signs of wear or defects. Do not plug in lights with frayed cords, missing bulbs, or lights that are old and worn.
- Keep an eye on lit candles: do not leave lit candles unattended and keep away from children, pets, draperies, and flammable objects. Consider using battery operated candles, if possible.
- Practice fireplace safety: for those with a fireplace in their home, make sure to have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected for lighting a fire. Only use dry wood and check the chimney for blockages. Keep the fireplace area clear of anything that can catch fire.
- Cook with caution: when cooking, do not leave the oven unattended. Be extra careful when cooking with oils, as they can easily splash and cause a fire or burns. Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces and pots and pans. Before leaving your house or going to bed, double check that the oven and all other cooking appliances are unplugged.
- Avoid overloading outlets: if plugging in multiple electronics, do not overload the outlet. This can cause a short circuit and an electrical fire. Invest in a quality surge protector if plugging in multiple electronics into a single outlet.
- Keep an eye on heaters: before turning on the heat, schedule an inspection of your HVAC. If using a portable heater, keep it away from flammable objects. If possible, purchase a heater with a safety feature that turns the unit off if it is knocked over.
Injured in a Fire This Winter?
Following the tips outlined above will help prevent a Tucson house fire this winter as well as keep your family safe. Even the most cautious can still experience a fire that can easily lead to catastrophic injuries or death. Contact a Tucson burn injury attorney if you or a loved one suffered injury in a fire due to the negligence of another person or entity.
For a free case consultation and to see if you could be entitled to compensation, call 520-977-1900. Our highly-rated legal team is available 24/7 during the holidays. You can also reach us via LiveChat or submit your case details for review using this convenient form.