Human-caused fires are the majority in more remote areas, too. They include wildfires started by debris burning, sparks thrown from equipment and railroads, power lines, smoking, fireworks, campfires, accidental ignitions, and arson.

Naturally occurring wildfires are most frequently caused by lightning. There are also volcanic, meteor, and coal seam fires, depending on the circumstance.

Wildfires occur when all the necessary elements of a fire triforce come together in a susceptible area: an ignition source is brought into contact with a combustible material such as vegetation, that is subjected to enough heat and has an adequate supply of oxygen from the ambient air.

5 Tips to Learn How to Prevent House Fires

1. Educate Everyone on Fire Risks and Safety.
2. Test Your Smoke Alarms.
3. Keep Lawn Clippings and Other Flammable Items in Safe Places.
4. Keep Pets Contained.
5. Check Your Home Appliances and Wiring.

Faulty appliances and leads Examples of this most common cause of fire include: Frayed wiring. Overloaded sockets. Old appliances.

The basic requirements for a dust explosion to occur is that combustible dusts are suspended in air and are ignited. The dust must be combustible and release enough heat when it burns to sustain the fire. The dust must be capable of being suspended in air.

— If you’re using a fan to stay cool in these hot temps, be warned, they can be a fire hazard! A Consumer Product Safety Commission report says electrical fans were associated with 20,000 structure fires in an 8-year period. Chief Willis says problems arise when fan motors get over heated. And that can start a fire.

Sleeping in front of your fireplace puts you at serious risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Yep, the same nasty stuff that comes out of your car’s exhaust is given off by your fireplace. Often referred to as the ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide can poison and kill you before you even detect its presence.

No, you should not leave your gas fireplace on overnight as you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Although it’s never recommended, if your gas fireplace has been properly maintained and designed to run continuously, it may be safe to leave it on.

More than 500 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States every year. Exposure to CO can come from several sources, including fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances. The more you know about carbon monoxide poisoning, the better equipped you are to prevent it from happening in your home.