How Do Most House Fires Spread?

Clutter

• One of the reasons fires spread quickly is the clutter in a house. If your home is full of boxes, or has many magazines and old newspapers stacked up, this gives the fire fuel to spread quickly. Get rid of old papers and keep packed items to a minimum or in plastic totes for better fire safety.

Flammable Liquids

• Do not use gasoline in the house. It can seep into wood surfaces. Other flammable liquids, like some housecleaning products, should be kept in well-ventilated areas. Rags that you have used in the garage for cleaning up gas, oils or paint thinners should never come in the house.

Wood-Framed House

• If your house is built mostly of wood, the fire will spread faster as wood is very flammable compared to a building or house that is made of concrete or other non-flammable materials.