Did you know that as summer winds down and we begin to transition into fall, the risk of house fires can actually increase? Many homeowners aren’t aware that late summer is a peak time for residential fires due to a combination of heat, dry conditions, and seasonal activities. The restoration experts at Haven Builders see a lot of fire damage, and we’re here to help protect your family and your home from the dangers of a fire. Here are five causes of house fires, as well as tips on preventing them from happening in the first place.

🔥 Hazard #1: Grill Fires

Food just tastes better when it’s hot off the grill! Outdoor grilling is a staple of summer, but it’s also one of the leading causes of late summer fires.

Common causes:

• Grills placed too close to siding or deck railings
• Grease buildup that ignites
• Unattended cooking

Prevention tips:

• Always grill at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, or deck railings
• Clean your grill after each use to remove grease and fat buildup
• Never leave the grill unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby
• Do NOT fight a grease fire with water, as this will cause the fire to spread 

🔥 Hazard #2: Outdoor Fire Pits and Bonfires

There’s nothing like sitting around the fire with friends and family when the air is starting to cool and the fire is keeping you warm. Late summer evenings often call for s’mores and stories around a fire pit – but careless handling can lead to disaster.

Common causes:

• Fires left unattended or not fully extinguished
• Wind carrying embers to nearby flammable materials
• Use of flammable liquids to start or reignite fires

Prevention tips:

• Use a fire screen
• Keep the pit at least 10 feet from any structure (some cities require a distance of up to 30 feet! Check with your local fire department for information).
• Always have a hose or bucket of water nearby
• Completely douse the fire before going inside for the night

🔥 Hazard #3: Overloaded Electrical Outlets

As the temps start to fluctuate, people start using fans, portable air conditioners, or space heaters when they don’t want to constantly run the AC or the heat. They also like to take advantage of the nice weather to finish up a project in the garage before it gets too cold. However, extra appliances or home improvement tools can overload circuits.

Common causes:

• Using extension cords improperly
• Plugging too many appliances into one outlet
• Frayed or damaged cords

Prevention tips:

• Avoid daisy-chaining extension cords or power strips
• Unplug appliances when not in use
• If you notice flickering lights or hot outlets, call a licensed electrician and stop using those outlets immediately.

🔥 Hazard #4: Dry Landscaping and Mulch

With less rainfall and hotter days, landscaping around your home can become a fire hazard. One errant spark can cause dry landscaping to quickly catch fire.

Common causes:

• Dry leaves and mulch igniting from discarded cigarettes or embers
• Sparks from lawn equipment or outdoor machinery
• Sunbeams catching decorative glass can ignite dry landscaping

Prevention tips:

• Water landscaping regularly and remove dry debris
• Keep mulch and flammable materials away from the foundation
• Never discard cigarettes in planters or landscaping beds

🔥 Hazard #5: Faulty HVAC Systems

Those dog days of summer can be scorchers, and your AC may be working overtime! If your system isn’t well-maintained, it can pose a fire risk.

Common causes:

• Overheating units or damaged wiring
• Dirty filters restricting airflow

Prevention tips:

• Change air filters regularly
• Schedule seasonal maintenance to ensure your HVAC system is functioning safely
• Ensure vents are clear and not blocked by furniture or curtains

Protect Your Home with Smart Planning

The restoration specialists at Haven Builders are experts in fire damage, and we see the devastation and heartache fires can cause. We hope you’ll never need to use our fire restoration services, but if you do, we’re here to help! And don’t forget, we don’t just handle restoration: If you’re making updates to your existing space, we plan your remodel with fire safety in mind. Contact us today for a free inspection, or learn more about how we prioritize safety, efficiency, and smart design in every build.

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