Attic Fire Hazards

Make sure the vents are cleaned out and it is working as it should.

Attic fire hazards.

Check for openings around the attic door attic vents roof joists rafters and attic floor joists. The fema document previously mentioned states that a whopping 43 of all residential attic fires are caused by electrical malfunction. If too much lint or other debris builds up in the ductwork the heat and friction could start a fire as well. Frayed or torn wiring could cause an attic fire.

A ventless dryer should be used if outside venting is not possible. According to the us fire administration over 10 000 attic fires a year are reported to us fire departments. The majority of these fires are caused by electrical malfunction created by faulty wires and ignition sources and natural causes such as lightning which we reported last summer. The grease in an unattended frying pan catches on fire and ignites nearby combustibles which in turn ignite curtains cabinets or anything else in the vicinity.

Lack of ventilation may create ideal conditions for an attic fire. Another possible cause of an attic fire is out of your control. Flammable or hazardous items should not be stored in the attic with extreme temperatures these items can cause a fire within your home says professional organizer susan santoro founder of organizing website organized31 who notes that chemicals can also leak when they re not stored in climate controlled spaces. When circuits are overloaded and the breaker fails to respond appropriately the excess draw could result in a fire.

If your home attic houses a water heater or furnace be sure you have adequate venting. The single most common cause of residential attic fires is electrical malfunction. Cooking fires cause 23 percent of home fires and nine percent of deaths. Mice rats bats or a squirrel in an attic can be a very dangerous hazard since these critters often harbor diseases and can damage the structure or attic wiring causing serious fire hazards.

These attic fires are very challenging for the fire service to mitigate and have led to line of duty deaths and injuries. Plastic fan parts may pose a fire hazard. Reduce fire hazards by installing the dryer correctly. Fire departments each year and cause an estimated 30 civilian deaths 125 civilian injuries and 477 million in property loss.

The exhaust contains too much humid air and can cause problems with mold and mildew. You cannot always protect your house or attic from all natural sources. A towel or curtains hanging too close to an unattended stove can ignite. Natural sources that can be potential fire hazards may include fallen trees lightning or snow or rain dripping onto electrical outlets or wires.