The Modern US Fire Problem

Since America Burning was published in 1973, the United States has made incredible progress in lowering the number of fires, fire deaths, and fire injuries through the use of technologies like smoke alarms and implementing up-to-date codes and standards. But more progress is needed to eliminate the modern day fire problem in the US, which is characterized by trends like faster-burning furniture and massive wildfires. A new report from NFPA offers insights into what that problem looks like and how we can address it.

ALLTEK Restoration Services

We are here to help when you need it. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages.

Post loss condition of a structure or dwelling can vary and is specific to each type of loss and the severity of the damage that has occurred. Determining the cause of the loss and the affected area is the first step and often most important. How and what steps are taken can have major impact on further damages and what is necessary to prevent or limit further damages to a structure. Alltek Restoration, Inc. provides all emergency or temporary services which your property may require.

Learn more at: https://alltekrestoration.net/services

Contact our office in Pittsburg, CA, at 925-732-7200 to speak with one of our construction designers about your needs.

Most home fires result from five general causes

It may be hard to believe, but NFPA's latest report on Home Structure Fires shows that during the years 2014-2018, five general fire causes accounted for 86% of reported home fires, 95% of home fire deaths, and 83% of home fire injuries.

Cooking was, by far, the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, and was the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Because cooking is such a routine part of our lives, it’s easy to forget the high temperatures and dangers involved.

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires and the third leading cause of home fire deaths. Creosote build-up in chimneys was the most common cause of these fires, while fires involving fixed and portable space heaters caused most of the heating fire deaths.

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was the third leading cause of home fires and the fourth leading cause of home fire deaths. Conditions that make these fires possible can occur long before a fire presents – largely as a result of wiring being installed or repaired incorrectly, or when receptacles, power strips or cords are overloaded, etc.

Intentional fire-setting was the fourth leading cause of home fires and the fifth highest reason for home fire deaths. According to death certificate data from all intentional fire deaths (not just home fires), nearly two-thirds of intentional fire deaths were suicides.

Although smoking materials ranked fifth in terms of home fires, they caused the most amount of home fire deaths during this time period. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 17 percent of adults smoked combustible tobacco products in 2017.

Learn more: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2020/12/17/Most-home-fires-result-from-five-general-causes

By: NFPA TODAY - DECEMBER 17, 2020

Alltek Restoration Provides 24/7 Emergency Services

Emergency Services

We are here to help when you need it. Providing first response to your needs 24/7. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages.

The post-loss condition of a structure or dwelling can vary and is specific to each type of loss and the severity of the damage that has occurred. Determining the cause of the loss and the affected area is the first step and often most important. How and what steps are taken can have a significant impact on further damages and what is necessary to prevent or limit further damages to a structure. Alltek Restoration, Inc. provides all emergency or temporary services which your property may require.

Board Up Services

Are very common requirements after storm or fire losses. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to access, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Temporary Weather Proofing

Your property may require temporary weatherproofing as a result of a loss. Both storm and fire damages can leave your property exposed or vulnerable to weather elements which will cause further damage to your property. Preventing additional damages is key as secondary damages can exceed the preliminary damages.

Content Services

Depending on the type of loss and severity will determine what needs to be done.

Services can include the following: manipulation, both salvageable and non-salvageable / total loss inventory, packing for on or off-site storage, cleaning and restoration, and pack back after repairs.


Mitigation Services

Includes initial loss assessment, determination of cause and source, water category/classification, moisture mapping, and determining the affected areas that require structural drying. Removal of both salvageable and non-salvageable building components, and the placement of required drying equipment as well as monitoring the drying progress until completed. After the drying process, repairs may proceed.

Temporary Utility Services

After a loss, a structure's utilities can be interrupted or shut off until safe operation and use can be confirmed. All utilities are subject to interruption which can make your home uninhabitable or unsafe. After a fire, if the electrical system is damaged emergency personnel will have the utility provider interrupt service to prevent the risk of injury and further structure damages. We can provide emergency repair or provide temporary utilities that are required so repairs may begin.

Disaster Preparedness Tips

Follow these simple steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property in case of an emergency.

CSLB Quick Tips: Consumer Warning About Unlicensed Contracting in Disaster Areas

Unlicensed contractors often prey upon survivors of disasters. Watch these tips to help prevent yourself from getting scammed by someone who will take you money without doing the work or who will do poor quality work.

Top 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Contractor

Next to buying and selling your home, choosing a general contractor is just as important! Watch as Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Dream Team member and licensed contractor expert Jared Dostie walks us through the most important questions to ask a prospective contractor.

Restoring your home after a natural disaster

What you need to know to rebuild. This video covers potential hazards that could arise after a disaster such as lead, mold, asbestos, CO2, and other hazards and how to address them as you rebuild. It will discuss tips to hire contractors that are licensed and capable of addressing the scope of the work and will highlight things to keep in mind during construction. This video recaps and adds to the first two videos.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Dryer Filter!

Seriously, clean your clothes dryer's lint screen after every load.