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Is the increase in house fires a result of the economy?

My owner is a Realtor at Century 21 Award in Mission Valley Ever since I worked as a home inspector for four years, I've become more attuned to fire hazards in people's homes when I'm out showing properties.

I've also noticed that the number of home fires being reported on in the newspaper seems to be increasing this year over last year at this time, and even over the most recent months.

Maybe it's because people don't have as much money to go out and do things, so they are staying home more. Whatever it is, please check your own homes for damaged wiring; excessive use of extension cords and outlet multipliers; unsafe use of candles, cigarettes, and matches; improper use of your fireplace, etc.

Here are the most recent cause of home fires in San Diego County:

short circuit in a power strip
sparks from the fireplace ignited the carpet
clothes put on top of hot stove
kitchen curtains caught fire from candles
matches thrown in trash can
gasoline put on fireplace logs
candles (no additional details)

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Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

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Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

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Posted by Jim Frimmer, Realtor and CDPE, Mission Valley, CA DRE #01458572 on 12/12/2009 08:40 PM

Comments (8)

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8 Comments on Is the increase in house fires a result of the economy?

DEC

2009

The first thing that came to my mind when you said that the result of more home fires was because of the economy was that people were burning their homes down on purpose to get insurance money. I thought I have heard of this before, but the reasons you mentioned seem very logical and quite hazardous.

Jim - I was also thinking about insurance fraud. But it is important for everybody to focus on your list and be aware of the safety issues.

I think that lots of homeowners are deferring maintenance issues because of the economy. They can't afford the repairs so they hope nothing happens.

Have you noticed any houses burning down from leaving their toasters plugged in, or is that an old wive's tale? My mother used to say it... but do today's toasters start fires?

Jim - I think some of it could insurance fraud but also undereducated people, I know that many people from my wife's country including my wife will plug in as many electric wires they can into one outlet.

Very good post and thanks for the list!

VB ;o)

Jim,

Some of these are just not being careful and paying attention.

short circuit in a power strip
sparks from the fireplace ignited the carpet
clothes put on top of hot stove
kitchen curtains caught fire from candles
matches thrown in trash can
gasoline put on fireplace logs
candles (no additional details)

Jim

You make a great point and I would agree with you.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

JAN

2010

Hey, Morgan - We did have a high-profile case here about a year ago where the owner of a house sent one of his employees from work to check on the house since a burglar alarm had gone off. The house was rigged to explode and burn when the door was opened, and the employee died. I don't know if the guy has gone to trial yet.

Hey, Christopher and Stephanie - There is insurance fraud going around, too, though, especially with people selling appliances and then filing a claim on their home insurance policy, getting a new appliance, and then selling it too.

Hey, Dana - And since they also can't afford to go out to the movies, vacations, etc., they are spending more time at home.

Hey, Shoshana - My mother used to unplug her toaster, but we don't. I've actually never heard of a house burning down from a toaster being plugged in, but there have been house fires from defective toasters, especially those oven toasters.

Hey, Robert - Many people think that if there is an unused outlet or extension cord, well, let's put it to use!

Hey, Carra - Or not thinking, or thinking that nothing will happen to ME!

Hey, Lou - Thanks.

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Jim Frimmer, Realtor and CDPE, Mission Valley, CA DRE #01458572

San Diego, CA

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Century 21 Award

Address: 7676 Hazard Center Drive,, Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92108-4504

Office Phone: (619) 471-2212

Cell Phone: (619) 729-5701

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