An average of more than 31,000 home structure fires per year are sparked by electrical distribution or lighting equipment, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports. This means that electrical equipment was involved in the ignition of 4% of all home fires and 6% of home fire deaths from 2019 to 2023.

May is National Electric Safety Month, and the NFPA recommends homeowners and renters take the following steps to prevent these types of fires.

  • Have all electrical work performed by a qualified electrician.
  • Hire a qualified private inspector to check out the electrical system when buying or remodeling a home to make sure everything is in working order.
  • Only plug major appliances like refrigerators, dryers and stoves directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips.
  • Ensure electrical cords aren't running across doorways or under carpets. Remember that extension cords are only intended for temporary use.
  • Call a qualified electrician (or the landlord, if renting) if there are frequent problems with blown fuses; a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance; you notice discolored or warm wall outlets; there is a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance; lights are flickering or dimming; or sparks are coming from an outlet.

In the slideshow above, we'll recount ten of the United States' deadliest single-building fires throughout history according to the NFPA.

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