Common Causes of Fires and Explosions

Fires and explosions are sudden and devastating. They destroy property, cause physical and emotional trauma and sometimes death.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are nearly 300 serious natural gas explosions per year in the United States. In addition, an average of 37,000 fires occur at industrial and manufacturing properties every year. There are more than 350,000 home fires each year in the United States. Those fires cause almost 2,000 deaths annually.

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Unfortunately, fire hazards are very common in homes and workplaces. Determining the cause of a fire or explosion requires extensive experience and thorough investigation involving engineering, electrical, and gas line experts as well as fire scene experts.

Common fire hazards can include:

• Home –

  Improperly wired electrical systems, improperly installed appliances (including dryers), electronic malfunctions, cooking, burning candles, improper use or installation of heaters.

• Outdoors –

  Dry foliage or chopped wood, improperly stored gas and equipment.

• Workplace –

  Waste buildup, improper ventilation, power socket overload, flammable liquids and gases, equipment/machinery, faulty manufacturing, cigarette smoking, human error.

Common causes of explosions include:

• Boiler explosions
• Dust explosions
• Fuel tank explosions
• Industrial explosions
• Natural gas explosions
• Petroleum explosions
• Propane explosions
• Refinery explosions
• Residential gas explosions
• Faulty electrical work

There are situations where someone’s negligence can cause a fire or explosion. If you or someone you care about was injured in a fire or explosion, the first step is to contact a fire and burn injury lawyer. Our law firm is uniquely qualified to effectively prepare and litigate fire and explosion cases on behalf of injured victims and their families. We have the experience and resources to help.