7 Unusual and Surprising Causes of Fire and Water Damage
Fire and Water Damage – Natural disasters are a common cause of damage caused by floods and fires. Although you cannot control the forces of nature, there are some measures you can take to help avoid potential property damage.
One of the most important ways to keep your family, employees and property safe is to be prepared for unexpected causes of potential hazards.
Although there are many causes of fires, most have one thing in common: prevent-ability. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that nearly all the damage caused by the 360,000 home fires annually is preventable.
Many people have a basic knowledge of the common causes of fires. However, strong measures to prevent fire damage are possible if we understand other possible causes.
It’s time to shed some light on seemingly harmless items that can start a fire under the right conditions.
Fire damage can have devastating consequences for your family and your home. Ignoring these little things can also lead to more disastrous results like water damage.
To raise awareness of the possible causes of fire, we’ll explore some of the more unusual causes of fire and water damage.
Uncommon causes of fire damage
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Faulty Dishwasher Wiring
While dishwashers are efficient helpers in the kitchen, these electrical appliances pose a slight fire risk. If the machine malfunctions, water drips on its internal wiring and eventually catches fire.
To prevent accidental fires from starting, ensure that all the electrical equipment you have at home undergoes regular maintenance.
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Dust balls in contact with lightning
It may come as a surprise to some. Still, dust mites found in inaccessible areas such as bedding and furniture can cause fires if they are near electronics, heating appliances and wall sockets.
Dust balls can ignite when electric sparks come in contact with them. Contact causes the fire to spread to nearby furniture or flammable objects. To reduce the risk of this unusual fire hazard, vacuum regularly under your furniture and beds.
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Concentrated light refracted by glass objects
It’s all about solar ignition. When light passes through a magnifying glass, the concentration of hot light on a flammable object ignites.
Although it may sound unlikely, the same light that passes through an empty glass jar or crystal item is a potential fire extinguisher.
This is because the light refracted by these objects towards flammable objects such as curtains or paper is sufficient to ignite the fire. To avoid this, make sure you store your glassware properly.
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Improper disposal of 9-volt batteries
Although less so, improper disposal of a 9-volt battery can also result in fire damage. If the battery terminal touches a piece of metal, and the same metal comes in contact with a flammable object, such as a piece of paper, there is a possibility of a fire.
To avoid this hazard, store these batteries separately from metals and place a strip of tape over their poles before disposing of them safely for recycling.
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Overheating of a computer or laptop placed on flammable objects
Laptops often emit heat when used for several hours. Also, many desktop computers and gaming equipment are prone to overheating.
These appliances can start fires due to their excessive heat when placed close to flammable objects or on soft surfaces such as a bed or couch. To protect laptops from fire, place them on flammable surfaces or use laptop stands and cooling pads while using them.
Uncommon Causes of Water Damage
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Clogged Gutters
Many people overlook the importance of maintaining the condition of their gutters. For this reason, preventing blockages often seems impossible.
In the worst cases, faulty gutters cause serious water damage, causing water to pool on the interior and exterior of your building. To avoid this potential hazard, hire regular gutter maintenance services from time to time.
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Soot from a fire extinguished with water
It is a common practice to use water to extinguish the fire. However, this can lead to the loss of a lot of property.
Water damage found in combination with soot and water can be devastating to your property and furnishings. The extent of the damage can be as bad as mold growth.
Natural causes of fire and water damage
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Earthquake
You must wonder, “Why do earthquakes often cause devastating fires?” Fire is the second most common hazard after an earthquake.
They occur when gas and electrical lines are displaced due to vibration motion. Gas released from broken gas lines can ignite, causing a fire.
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Flood
Flood and water damage restoration is a unique combination of natural causes or damage. Extreme weather conditions wreak havoc on your commercial and residential properties.
This causes catastrophic flooding, which usually leaves rotted wood, warped floorboards and cracked drywall throughout your home’s structure. Plus, flood damage affects your valuables, putting them at risk of mildew accumulation.
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Wildfire
Wildfire damage can be devastating to wildlife and their habitats. These types of fires are caused either by natural forces or by human activities.
Natural causes include lightning and low humidity, while artificial fires—which cause about 85% of wild land fires—result from conditions such as equipment malfunctions, discarded cigarettes, and unattended campfires.
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