What Causes an Attic Fire?

Electrical fires are the leading cause of attic fires. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical fires “account for 51,000 fires each year.” As a result, there are over 1,400 fire-related injuries, more than 400 deaths, and an estimated $1.3 billion in property damages per year.  The cause of these fires can vary. Sometimes, it is an overload of the circuit breaker that causes a spark which results in the fire. Breakers can also fail, resulting in flames.

Pests, such as mice, chew through wiring in the attic. It exposes the wire, making it more vulnerable. While not all chewed or frayed wires will automatically start a fire, they are more prone and should be replaced immediately.

If your home is over 20 years old, it might be time to have a professional come in and inspect the wiring. Outdated wiring is also a widely known reason behind electrical fires.  Older homes cannot handle the increased amount of electrical appliances used in today's homes.

If you are someone who uses the attic frequently, be careful using electrical equipment. Plugging in lamps and other devices, then leaving them unattended could start a fire, especially if you are not careful and overload the outlets. Always turn off and unplug devices before leaving the attic area.

While electrical fires are preventable, mostly, mother nature isn't as kind. Lightning can strike your home and spark a fire in your attic.

Other ways mother nature can wreak havoc on your home include leaks in the attic, wetting electrical outlets, circuit breakers, or exposed wires that cause a spark. These sparks lead to fires that could consume your attic and damage or destroy your home.



Limbs from nearby trees can also break off and land on your home. While not every tree limb or branch will lead to a fire, it is still a possibility. The damage could lead to exposed wires or damaged circuit breaker boxes that will spark electrical fires.

In many homes, the furnace is in the attic. As heat rises, attics are already hot places, especially in the summer when the temperature outside skyrockets. Your heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) may become overheated and catch fire because of the excessive heat.



Dust, lint, and other debris from the air can get in the ductwork, which acts as fuel for the fire. Additionally, units that are not maintained can have electrical issues that may contribute to potential fires.

Not all attic fires are preventable. However, there are some things you can do to help protect your home.

One of the most important things you can do to prevent a fire is routine maintenance on your home. HVAC systems should be inspected and professionally serviced at least once a year. You may want to schedule inspections for your cooling unit in early spring before the AC goes into full-time use and then have the furnace inspected as summer gives way to fall. Having an inspection of these systems can help catch problems before they cause a fire.

Along with having your HVAC system routinely inspected, you should also have the ductwork and vents checked and cleaned. Lint, dust, and debris are kindling to a fire. Ducts need to be regularly cleaned, and filters frequently changed to ensure there is nothing in the ductwork to help feed or start a fire.

Have your home's electrical system checked periodically. An electrician can alert you to signs of wire damage or decay that could lead to an electrical fire. They can also assess your circuit breakers' condition and replace any that are older before they fail.

A roof inspection, especially after a strong storm, is a good idea periodically as well. Roofers can find soft spots in the underlayment that may allow for leaks. They can then patch or replace the damaged parts before water gets into your home. If you notice a leak, you should contact someone immediately.

Spring is when many people choose to go through their items and clear out what they don't want anymore. Don't forget to go through the things in your attic. Removing excess items can reduce the chances of a fire spreading rapidly. Never store flammable materials in your attic. Instead, keep these items in a cooler, drier place to prevent fire hazards. This includes:

• Batteries 
• Flammable Liquids, Such As Kerosene 
• Hazardous Chemicals

While you're in the attic, sweep, and dust to remove all excess lint and debris.

While there is little you can do to prevent mother nature from taking a toll, you can take some preventative measures. Take the time to remove limbs that hang close to your roof.

Having a properly insulated attic can keep your HVAC unit from overheating in the summer months. A professional can tell you if you have enough insulation as well as install more if necessary.



They can also ensure that the insulation is far enough away from lighting fixtures, which may cause fires. According to This Old House, you want to have at least a “three-inch gap” between the fiberglass insulation and all lighting fixtures.

Attic fires are often caused by electrical problems, mother nature, and faulty HVAC units. Proper maintenance and inspection of these systems and appropriate tree care can help reduce the risks of fires occurring. Take time to clean your attic of excess debris and dust and avoid storing flammable objects.

• https://www.esfi.org/resource/home-electrical-fires-184
• https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-safety/21015156/fire-safety-and-prevention-checklist