Electrical fires are typically caused by damaged and/or loose wires, or faulty appliances or devices. These hazards can be insidious and often hidden from view inside of walls and ceilings, and these fires can start in the middle of the night or when nobody is home. Electrical fires are often the most devastating type of house fire. Click here to learn more.
A recent report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlighted staggering facts related to home electrical fires:
- Arcing was the heat source in approximately three of five home fires involving an electrical failure or malfunction
- Fires involving electrical failures or malfunctions accounted for the highest share of civilian deaths (18%) and direct property damage (20%)
- Approximately one-quarter (24%) of these fires occurred between midnight and 8 a.m., but these fires accounted for 60% of deaths.
- This report can be found here.