5 Common Causes of Fire at Home and How to Prevent Them

Most fires at home do not start with anything dramatic. A kadhai left on the flame, one extension board running the AC, the geyser and the iron, a diya too close to a curtain. Here are five of the commonest causes of fire, and what you can do about each one.

1. Cooking

We cook every day, so it is easy to forget that the kitchen is where many home fires begin. Oil left on a high flame, a pan forgotten while you answer the phone, an appliance that overheats: any of these can turn into a fire in a minute or two.

• Do not walk away from the stove while cooking, especially when frying or using a high flame. If you must step out, switch off the gas first.
• Keep kitchen cloths, paper, plastic packets and dupattas away from the burner.
• Set a timer on your phone when something is on the stove, and keep checking it.

2. Heaters

Room heaters, coal angithis and kerosene or gas heaters cause fires every winter, especially in north India.

• Keep bedding, curtains, clothes and newspapers well away from any heater.
• Never use a gas or kerosene heater, or a coal angithi or sigri, in a closed room. They give off carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell. Keep a window open, and never sleep with one burning.
• Switch off and unplug electric heaters before you sleep or leave the room.

3. Electrical faults

Faulty wiring, overloaded sockets and damaged cords start a large share of fires in homes, shops and offices.

• Do not overload sockets and extension boards. Plug only one heavy appliance, such as an iron, heater, AC or microwave, into each socket.
• Replace cords that are cut, frayed or show burn marks straight away. Do not patch them with tape.
• Get repairs and new wiring done only by a licensed electrician.

4. Candles and diyas

Candles and diyas make a room warm and festive, but an open flame left alone is a fire waiting to happen, especially during Diwali.

• Keep candles and diyas at least 30 cm (one foot) away from curtains, paper decorations and anything else that burns.
• Never leave them burning in an empty room. Put them out before you go out or go to sleep.
• Use a steady metal or clay stand that will not tip over, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

5. Cigarettes, bidis and matches

A cigarette or bidi end thrown away while still lit, or a match tossed into the dustbin, can start a fire, especially in dry weather.

• Smoke only in a set place, away from anything that burns and away from dry grass or waste.
• Use a deep, heavy ashtray that will not tip over.
• Make sure every end and every matchstick is fully out before you throw it away. Never smoke in bed.

Everyday habits that prevent fires

• Fit smoke alarms in your home, including outside bedrooms, and press the test button once a month.
• Make a simple escape plan with your family: two ways out of the house and one place to meet outside.
• Teach everyone at home or at work when to use a fire extinguisher, when to leave, and to call 101 or 112.
• Check smoke alarms and extinguishers regularly and get them serviced when due.
• Store paper, cloth and household chemicals in a well-ventilated place, away from heat.
• Keep the LPG cylinder upright, in a ventilated spot, away from sunlight and other heat, and switch off the regulator at night.

Do one thing tonight

Walk around your home and pull out one extension board that is running too many things. Check the cords on your iron and heater. Move the curtain away from where you light the diya. Ten minutes is enough, and it is the kind of check that actually stops fires.