What is a common cause of residential fires?

Cooking accidents are indeed among the leading causes of residential fires. They typically occur when food is left unattended on the stove or in the oven, leading to overheating and ignition of flammable materials nearby. The combination of high temperatures, cooking oils, and other combustible items often results in a fire that can spread rapidly throughout a home.

In residential settings, cooking is a daily activity, which increases the likelihood of accidents occurring. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) consistently reports that cooking-related incidents are a significant contributor to the total number of residential fires. Awareness and preventive measures, such as never leaving cooking unattended and keeping flammable items away from the stove, are crucial in reducing these types of fires.

Other causes of residential fires, such as electrical malfunctions, candle usage, and issues with heating systems, can contribute to fire hazards but are statistically less frequent than cooking-related incidents.