House fires are one of the scariest emergencies a family can face. They can start in an instant, cause devastating damage, and most importantly, put lives at serious risk. That’s why preparation is key. Knowing how fires start, how to stop them, and how to get your family out safely can make all the difference.
To help us understand what really matters, I spoke with Rick Stewart, retired Clay Township, Indiana, fire chief, who spent 30 years as a firefighter and first responder. Here’s his advice on the most common causes of house fires, how to put them out, and the safety steps every household should take.
Common causes of house fires and how to put them out
When asked about the common causes of house fires, here is what Chief Stewart had to say, and how to put them out:
1. Grease fire
Grease fires start when oil in a pan gets too hot and ignites. This is a common kitchen danger.
The key to putting one out is cutting off its oxygen supply – you have to smother it.
The most important (and often hardest) step is staying calm and not panicking so you can act quickly and safely.
What to use to put out a grease fire:
Cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames.
Pour milk on it (a trick many people don’t know).
What not to use:
Never use water (it will cause the fire to spread).
Baking soda – powder can spark and spread the flames.
Important: If the fire starts spreading to walls or other parts of your kitchen, get out immediately and call 911. Property can be replaced, your life cannot.
2. Electrical fire
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or misuse of extension cords are some of the top culprits for an electrical fire.
What to do:
NEVER throw water on an electrical fire.
Use a fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires.
Call 911 so firefighters can check if the fire has spread inside the walls.
3. Chimney fire
When creosote builds up inside a chimney flue, it can ignite, leading to a dangerous chimney fire. Debris such as leaves or even animal nests can also be triggers.
How to prevent a chimney fire:
Have your fireplace checked yearly by a professional
How to put out a chimney fire:
Call 911 and have the fire department inspect the area to make sure the fire is out and has not spread to other parts of the home.
Chief Stewart’s basic fire safety tips
Stay alert. Never leave food on the stove or a fire in the fireplace unattended.
Always sleep with bedroom doors closed. If there is a fire and the door is hot, you know not to open it and escape through a window to safety.
Check your smoke alarms regularly. Check with your local fire department to see if they offer free smoke alarms and home fire safety checks.
Have an escape plan and a meet-up point to make sure everyone is accounted for. Make sure everyone knows the escape routes.
Once you are outside, do not go back inside a burning home. Call 911 immediately.
Have a fire extinguisher handy and have it checked per the manufacturer’s instructions. Check with your local fire department to see if they offer free checks.
While it’s hard not to panic when there is a fire, keeping calm and following a plan is your best chance for survival. Practice what to do in case of a fire with your kids, no matter how young they are.
Fires are frightening, but you don’t have to feel powerless. By learning the most common causes and practicing how to respond, you’ll be prepared to act quickly and keep your loved ones safe.