If you worry about a sudden fire erupting in your home, you’re not alone. As a leading fire damage company in Pittsburgh, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating even a small fire can be. House fires often stem from preventable causes.
Understanding what starts them—and how to stop them—can make all the difference in protecting your family and property.
Cooking Accidents: The #1 Culprit
Unattended pots on the stove, overheated oil, or distracted multitasking can easily result in kitchen fires. Grease fires, in particular, spread quickly and are often mishandled.
Fire prevention tip: Never leave your cooking unattended; keep a fire extinguisher nearby. For added safety, avoid wearing loose sleeves and always clean up grease buildup around burners.
Electrical Fires: Hidden and Dangerous | Fire Damage Company in Pittsburgh
Faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or old appliances can ignite fires inside walls before you even smell the smoke.
Fire prevention tip: Schedule regular inspections of your home’s electrical system, especially if it’s older. Use power strips with surge protection and avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords.
Electrical Overloads and Extension Cord Misuse
Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or using low-quality extension cords can easily lead to overheating and electrical fires, especially in older homes throughout Allegheny and surrounding counties.
Fire prevention tip: Use surge protectors for multiple devices, avoid daisy-chaining extension cords, and have a licensed electrician inspect your wiring if you live on an older property.
Smoking Indoors | Fire Damage Company in Pittsburgh
Improperly extinguished cigarettes are a common but avoidable cause of fires, especially in bedrooms or living rooms where blankets and upholstery catch fire quickly.
Safety tip: If you or someone in your household smokes, make outdoor smoking the rule. Use deep ashtrays; never toss a cigarette in the trash without dousing it.
Also read: Fire Damage? Here’s How We Simplify Insurance Claims | Fire Damage Company in Pittsburgh
Candles and Open Flames
That cozy ambiance from candles can quickly turn disastrous if left unattended or placed too close to decorations or curtains.
Fire prevention tip: Use flameless candles whenever possible. If you use real ones, keep them in sturdy holders and always blow them out before leaving the room.
What to Do If a Fire Breaks Out | Fire Damage Company in Pittsburgh
- Get everyone out immediately. Don’t try to fight the fire unless it’s very small and you have the proper extinguisher.
- Notify family members and close contacts to let them know you’re safe and inform them of your location.
- Document visible damage by taking photos or videos, but only once emergency personnel have cleared the home for reentry.
- Avoid reentering your home. Hidden damage or lingering smoke can pose health and safety risks.
A Fire Damage Company Can Help You Rebuild
The moments after a house fire are overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. A trusted fire damage company in Pittsburgh will restore your property and guide you through the following steps with compassion and expertise. Fast, thorough, and local—that’s what you need when the unthinkable happens.
If your home in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Westmoreland, or Washington County has suffered fire damage, ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh offers expert restoration services with compassion and care tailored to your unique situation.
You don’t have to go through recovery alone—let ServiceMaster help you get back on track.