What is the primary cause of residential fires?

The primary cause of residential fires is cooking-related incidents. This category encompasses a wide range of incidents that occur when cooking equipment, such as stoves, ovens, or microwaves, is either mismanaged or left unattended. Cooking is often a central activity in homes, and with the use of high heat and flammable materials, the likelihood of fire increases significantly if proper safety measures are not in place. Unattended cooking, especially boiling oil or food, can quickly lead to ignition and spread, making it the most frequent cause of residential fires.

Understanding this context highlights the importance of kitchen safety practices, such as never leaving food unattended while cooking and keeping flammable items away from heat sources. Additionally, public education campaigns often focus on cooking safety to mitigate this predominant risk in residential fire incidents, confirming its status as the leading cause.