What Are the Most Common Causes of House Fires and How Can You Prevent Them? 

It happens in an instant. 
One minute you’re cooking dinner or enjoying a quiet evening with your family. The next, your smoke alarm is blaring, and flames are spreading faster than you ever imagined possible. House fires can turn your life upside down in a matter of minutes—and many of them start from simple, preventable mistakes. At Hertvik Insurance Group, we want to help you protect what matters most. Understanding the risks is the first step in avoiding a devastating loss. Below, we break down the top common causes of house fires, how to prevent them, and how we can help you safeguard your home and family. 

1. Top Causes of House Fires 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 350,000 house fires occur in the U.S. each year, resulting in billions of dollars in damage. The most common causes include: 

Cooking Accidents 
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Grease fires on the stove or forgotten items in the oven can quickly escalate. 

Electrical Malfunctions 
Frayed cords, overloaded outlets, and aging wiring often lead to electrical fires—especially in older homes. 

Heating Equipment 
Space heaters placed too close to curtains or furniture, or fireplaces left unattended, are common fire starters during colder months. 

Smoking Indoors 
Improperly extinguished cigarettes are a major risk, particularly when smoking occurs in bed or near flammable materials. 

Candles and Open Flames 
While they add ambiance, candles can also be extremely dangerous if left unattended or placed near flammable items. 

Each of these causes may seem minor at first glance, but in the right conditions, they can be deadly. The good news? Most are entirely preventable. 

2. How to Prevent House Fires 

Protecting your home from fire starts with awareness and simple safety habits. Here’s how to reduce your risk: 

Stay Alert in the Kitchen 
Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying. Keep flammable items like towels and paper towels away from the stove. Install a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. 

Check Your Electrical System 
Replace frayed wires, use surge protectors, and avoid overloading outlets. Hire a licensed electrician to inspect old wiring or if you experience frequent breaker trips. 

Be Cautious with Heat Sources 
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Use fireplace screens and extinguish fires completely before leaving the room or going to bed. 

Practice Safe Smoking 
If you smoke, do it outside. Always use deep, sturdy ashtrays and never smoke when tired, under the influence, or in bed. 

Use Candles Responsibly 
Blow out candles when leaving a room, and keep them at least 12 inches away from anything flammable. Better yet, switch to flameless LED alternatives for the same cozy vibe—without the risk. 

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms 
Place alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. 

Small actions today can prevent a life-changing disaster tomorrow. 

3. How to Safeguard Your Home with Hertvik Insurance Group 

Even with the best prevention strategies, accidents can still happen. That’s where Hertvik Insurance Group steps in to give you peace of mind and financial protection when you need it most. 

Comprehensive Home Insurance Coverage 
We offer homeowners insurance that covers fire damage to your home and belongings, as well as additional living expenses if you’re temporarily displaced. 

Customized Policies for Your Unique Needs 
From single-family homes to historic properties and everything in between, we tailor coverage to your home’s value, structure, and risk profile. 

Claims Support When You Need It Most 
Our experienced agents and claims team work quickly and compassionately to help you recover from fire-related losses, getting your life back to normal as fast as possible. 

Proactive Risk Management Advice 
As your trusted advisor, we don’t just sell policies, we provide proactive guidance to help you reduce your risks and protect your investment. 

Protect What Matters Most 

House fires are often fast, unexpected, and unforgiving. But with the right knowledge, precautions, and insurance coverage, you can reduce your risk and shield your family from devastating losses. 

Have questions about your current homeowners policy or want to make sure you’re fully protected? Contact your Hertvik Insurance agent today. We’re here to help you prepare for the unexpected—so you can enjoy peace of mind every day