Appliances are essential in our daily lives as they offer convenience and efficiency, especially for cooking and laundry chores. However, they also come with certain risks that cannot be overlooked, like house fires and the damage they can cause. 

In 2022, local fire departments across the United States responded to around 1.5 million fires. Cooking was identified as the leading cause of household fires, but electrical fires brought the most damage. What’s even more alarming is that fires can grow quickly – it only takes 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire. 

With these statistics in mind, one crucial question arises: what appliance causes the most fires? Let’s look at these six leading culprits of house fires and some practical tips to minimize fire risks. 

1. Ranges and Stoves 

With cooking as the most common cause of house fires in the US, ranges and stoves are at the top of the list for fire-starting appliances. These essential appliances can become hazards mainly due to unattended use.

For example, overheating pots and pans or flammable materials like kitchen towels and oven mitts left too close to a hot stove can quickly start a fire. Grease buildup on a cooktop can also fuel a fire that can quickly get out of control. 

On the bright side, there are simple steps you can take to avoid household fires while in the kitchen. Never leave your cooking unattended, clean your range regularly, and keep flammable materials away from the heat source. 

2. Toasters and Toaster Ovens 

Toasters and toaster ovens are great for toasting bread and cooking small meals. However, using them carefully is important, as they generate a lot of heat that can be dangerous if not managed properly. Accumulated crumbs and food particles in a toaster can ignite due to the high temperatures. Faulty electrical elements or frayed wiring can also lead to fires. 

Check your toaster or toaster oven regularly for damage and wear. If you notice any compromised parts, it’s best to stop using it.

3. Microwaves 

Overheated food is a primary reason microwaves catch fires. It could be as simple as popcorn being microwaved for a minute or two longer than necessary or frozen meals being cooked too long. Besides this, faulty wiring or electrical shorts can cause a microwave fire, just like other appliances. 

Fortunately, this kind of appliance fire is often food-based, so it creates a lot of smoke but is usually not as dangerous as other fire emergencies. Moreover, microwave safety can be achieved with these simple measures: 

• Only use glass and microwave-safe plastic when heating food. 
• Never use metal or aluminum foil, as these can spark and cause a fire. 
• Set a timer to avoid overheating your food. 
• Wipe the interior with a damp cloth to prevent food particle buildup, which can be a fire risk. 
• Turn off or unplug the microwave if a fire starts, but don’t open the door. Most microwaves are UL-certified and can contain small food-based fires. 

4. Refrigerators and Freezers

These appliances aren’t likely the first to come to mind when answering questions like “What appliance causes the most fires?” However, they also pose a fire risk primarily due to electrical malfunctions or defective components. 

Over time, wiring can degrade, or connections may loosen, leading to sparks that ignite nearby flammable materials. Malfunctioning capacitors or compressor overload protectors may also create or allow excessive heat that may ignite insulation or other components, increasing fire risk. 

5. Dryers 

Dryer fires predominantly start due to the accumulation of lint – a highly flammable combination of fibers from clothing that gathers in the lint trap and vents. Over time, if this lint is not regularly cleaned out, it can obstruct the airflow, cause excessive heat buildup, and ultimately ignite a fire. 

It’s also worth noting that dryer fires often begin unnoticed. Lint can smolder in the vent or exhaust system without being detected. As the dryer is used repeatedly, the burning lint can reach a point where it ignites into a flame.

6. Space Heaters 

Homeowners often turn to space heaters for extra warmth as temperatures drop during the colder months. Although small and usually advertised as safe, they can also become a fire hazard, especially when left unattended. 

These devices can quickly overheat or tip over, igniting nearby combustibles. Placing them near flammable items like furniture, curtains, bedding, and even clothing is another recipe for disaster. 

When the Unthinkable Happens, Our Local Restoration 1 Team Is Here for You

Household fires that originate from appliances are, in many cases, preventable tragedies. Understanding the appliances most prone to causing fires can go a long way in preventing these hazardous incidents. 

Prevention, however, is just one side of the coin. It’s equally essential to be prepared for an emergency. One way to ensure you’re ready is by knowing a reliable fire damage restoration team to call should the worst happen. 

Restoration 1 of North Atlanta is a local team you can call anytime for help. As the proven and professional fire restoration experts in the area, we offer swift and reliable services to help you recover from fire damage as soon as possible. Reach us at 678-671-5636 when you need us. We are available 24/7 to help you.