A house fire can destroy everything you’ve built in minutes. The good news is that most house fires are preventable. As fire damage restoration specialists serving Salt Lake County we’ve seen firsthand the devastation fires cause — and we want to help you prevent them. Here are the most important fire safety tips for Utah homeowners.
Utah Fire Statistics
House fires are more common than most people realize:
• A home fire occurs every 88 seconds in the United States
• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires
• Most fatal fires happen between 11pm and 7am when families are asleep
• Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by 50%
Utah’s dry climate and extreme temperature variations create unique fire risks that homeowners need to be aware of.
Kitchen Fire Prevention
Cooking is the #1 cause of house fires. Here’s how to stay safe:
Never leave cooking unattended
Most kitchen fires start when someone leaves the stove unattended. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
Keep flammables away from heat
Keep dish towels, paper towels, oven mitts, and other flammables away from your stovetop.
Clean your oven and stovetop regularly
Grease buildup is a major fire hazard. Clean spills immediately.
Have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen
Keep a Class K fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it.
Never use water on a grease fire
Water causes grease fires to explode. Use a lid to smother a small grease fire or a fire extinguisher.
Heating System Fire Prevention
Utah winters mean heavy use of heating systems — one of the top causes of home fires.
Service your furnace annually
Have a professional inspect and service your furnace every year before winter.
Keep space heaters away from flammables
Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance around space heaters. Never leave them running unattended or while sleeping.
Clean your dryer vent annually
Clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of home fires. Clean the lint trap after every load and have the vent professionally cleaned annually.
Inspect your chimney
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually before using your fireplace. Never burn green wood or trash.
Check your furnace filter
Replace your furnace filter regularly. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to overheat.
Electrical Fire Prevention
Electrical fires are often hidden inside walls and can smolder for hours before becoming visible.
Don’t overload outlets
Use power strips with surge protectors and never daisy chain extension cords.
Replace damaged cords immediately
Frayed or damaged electrical cords are a serious fire hazard. Never use tape to repair damaged cords.
Have old wiring inspected
If your home is more than 40 years old have your electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician. Older wiring like aluminum wiring and knob-and-tube can be dangerous.
Don’t run cords under rugs
Running electrical cords under rugs traps heat and can start fires.
Check for warm outlets
Outlets that feel warm to the touch indicate a wiring problem. Call an electrician immediately.
Smoke Alarm Safety
Smoke alarms are your first line of defense. Here’s how to make sure they work:
Install smoke alarms on every level
Place smoke alarms on every level of your home including inside and outside every sleeping area.
Test monthly
Press the test button on every smoke alarm monthly.
Replace batteries annually
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms every year — even if they seem to be working.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
Smoke alarm sensors wear out over time. Replace entire units every 10 years.
Consider interconnected alarms
When one alarm sounds they all sound — giving your family maximum warning time.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless — and deadly. Utah homeowners need to take it seriously.
Install CO detectors
Place carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
Never run gas engines indoors
Never run a car, generator, or gas powered equipment in an attached garage — even with the door open.
Service gas appliances annually
Have a professional inspect all gas appliances including furnaces, water heaters, and stoves annually.
Utah Wildfire Awareness
Utah’s dry climate creates wildfire risk especially in areas near the Wasatch Front foothills.
Create defensible space
Clear dead vegetation within 30 feet of your home.
Use fire resistant landscaping
Choose fire resistant plants and ground cover near your home.
Have a go bag ready
Prepare an emergency kit with documents, medications, and essentials in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Sign up for emergency alerts
Register for Utah’s emergency notification system to receive wildfire warnings.
What to Do If a Fire Starts
If a fire starts in your home:
1. Get out immediately — don’t try to fight it yourself
2. Close doors behind you — slows fire spread
3. Call 911 from outside
4. Never go back inside for belongings
5. Meet at your designated family meeting spot
After a Fire — Call Best Option Restoration
If your home suffers fire damage call Best Option Restoration immediately. The sooner restoration begins the less damage compounds and the lower your overall restoration cost.
We handle everything from emergency board up and water extraction to complete reconstruction as a licensed B100 General Contractor.
📞 Call or Text: 385-376-8300
Available 24/7 | Free Estimates | Insurance Approved | Licensed B100 Contractor
Serving South Jordan, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Bluffdale, Murray and all of Salt Lake County.