Fires in Buffalo Grove, IL homes happen more often than people expect. A kitchen mishap, a space heater too close to curtains – it doesn’t take much to start a fire.
At ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we’ve helped thousands of residents here restore their properties after fire damage.
We put together this simple guide to the most common fire risks in Buffalo Grove, and what you can do to prevent them.
Key Takeaways
- House fires in Buffalo Grove often start from cooking, faulty wiring, space heaters, clogged dryer vents, smoking indoors, candles, overloaded outlets, holiday lights, kids playing with fire, or skipped home maintenance. They can also spread from nearby homes or commercial buildings, especially in closely built neighborhoods.
- You can prevent most fires by staying alert while cooking, keeping cords, vents, and lights in good shape, using heaters safely, storing matches out of reach, and keeping up with basic home maintenance.
- If a fire happens, get out safely, call 911, then call ServiceMaster by Zaba at (847) 459-3900. We clean up, repair the damage, and help with processing insurance claims.
Top 11 Causes of House Fires in Buffalo Grove
1. Unattended Cooking
Leaving the kitchen, even for a minute, can lead to disaster. Grease heats up and catches fire fast.
A towel or paper left too close to the burner can ignite before you even notice.
What to do: Stay by the stove. Turn off burners if you need to step away—even just for a second.
2. Old or Faulty Wiring
According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical problems are one of the leading causes of devastating house fires.
Worn-out wires inside your walls can spark and ignite insulation or nearby wood, and overloaded outlets or breakers can overheat and start a fire behind the walls.
What to do: If your lights flicker or breakers trip often, overloaded outlets or breakers can overheat and start a fire inside the walls. Call an electrician as soon as possible.
3. Space Heaters
Heaters that sit too close to curtains, bedding, or furniture can make those materials catch fire.
Some older models can overheat or tip over and keep running.
What to do: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. Never leave them on while you sleep or leave the house.
4. Clogged Dryer Vents
Lint is extremely flammable. If it builds up in your dryer vent, the heat from the dryer can spark a fire inside the vent pipe or the dryer itself.
What to do: Clean the lint trap every load. Get your dryer vent cleaned once a year.
5. Smoking Indoors
A lit cigarette dropped on a couch or carpet can smolder and turn into a fire minutes later. Falling asleep while smoking is especially dangerous.
What to do: Smoke outside. Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out completely before throwing them away.
6. Candles
An open flame can catch a curtain, paper, or blanket if it’s too close.
A knocked-over candle can spread fire in seconds—especially on wood surfaces.
What to do: Use flameless candles if possible. If not, place them far from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended.
7. Overloaded Outlets
Plugging too many things into one outlet or power strip can make the wires overheat. That heat can cause sparks or even melt parts of the outlet.
What to do: Spread out your electronics. Don’t plug more than one big appliance into the same outlet.
8. Holiday Lights
Frayed wires or broken bulbs can spark when plugged in. On a dry tree, that spark can start a fire in seconds.
Too many lights on one circuit can also overload it.
What to do: Check all lights before you use them. Don’t leave them on overnight or when you’re not home.
9. Kids Playing With Fire
Kids don’t always know the danger. Playing with matches or lighters can lead to fires on furniture, curtains, or paper—and it can spread fast if no adult is nearby.
What to do: Keep matches and lighters locked away. Talk to kids early about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
10. Lack of Home Maintenance
A chimney full of soot can catch fire. A dirty furnace or an old appliance with damaged wires can spark. Dust near heaters can ignite too.
What to do: Have your chimney, furnace, and major appliances inspected and cleaned once a year.
11. Fires from Nearby Buildings
Fires don’t always start inside your home.
Flames from a neighbor’s house or a nearby business, like a restaurant or store, can spread quickly, especially in tightly packed areas.
Heat, embers, or direct flames can ignite your roof, siding, or even enter through windows and vents.
What to do: Keep your yard clear of flammable debris and consider fire-resistant materials for your roof and siding. Make sure smoke alarms are working, and have a plan in case a nearby fire threatens your home.
What to Do if a Fire Happens in Your Home
1. Get out of the house
Leave right away. Don’t grab belongings. Make sure everyone gets outside.
2. Call 911
Once you’re out, call the fire department. Don’t try to handle the fire yourself.
3. Call your insurance company
After the fire is out, contact your insurer to start a claim.
4. Call ServiceMaster by Zaba
We’re on call 24/7. We’ll clean up damage, make repairs, and help with your claim. Call us now at: (847) 459-3900
5. Take photos of the damage
If it’s safe to go back in, take photos of everything damaged. Save them for your claim.
6. Wait for the all-clear
Only return inside when the fire department says it’s safe.
How We Help After a Fire
When you call us, here’s what we do:
- Secure your property: We board up broken windows, damaged doors, and cover holes in the roof to keep out weather and unwanted entry.
- Clean up water damage: Our team removes all water left behind from firefighting efforts and dries out the affected areas to prevent further damage.
- Remove smoke and soot: We clean smoke stains and residue from walls, ceilings, air ducts, and surfaces throughout the home.
- Content packout and restoration: We carefully pack, clean, and restore salvageable items like furniture, electronics, and keepsakes at our off-site facility.
- Repair the damage: We rebuild damaged parts of your home—from drywall and flooring to full structural repairs—based on what’s needed.
- Help with your insurance claim: We handle the documentation, take inventory, and work directly with your adjuster to make the process smoother.
Dealing With Fire Damage in Buffalo Grove? Call Us.
Fire damage gets worse by the hour—smoke soaks in, water spreads, and cleanup gets harder the longer you wait.
Act fast to keep damage from spreading and save more of your home and belongings.
Our team is on call 24/7, ready to handle fire damage cleanup and restoration in Buffalo Grove. Call us now at (847) 459-3900.
FAQs
Are house fires common in Buffalo Grove?
Yes. Fires often happen in winter or around the holidays. Most are preventable with basic safety steps.
Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
Usually yes. Most policies cover fire, smoke, and water damage. The cost of repairs is often included, but check your policy.
Is smoke damage dangerous?
Yes. Smoke can cause breathing problems and leave toxic residue behind. It also stains and corrodes surfaces.
How long does fire cleanup take?
It depends. Small fires may take a few days. Large fires can take weeks, especially if structural repairs are needed.
Can I clean fire damage myself?
It’s not safe. Smoke and soot can be harmful. It’s best to let trained professionals handle it with the right equipment.
