What are common causes of structure fires?

Cooking accidents and electrical failures are indeed some of the most prevalent causes of structure fires. Cooking is often cited as the leading cause of residential fires, particularly when food is left unattended on the stove or when grease ignites. Electrical failures can occur due to faulty wiring, overloading circuits, or malfunctioning appliances. These issues can lead to short circuits or overheating, resulting in fires.

In contrast, while chemical spills and explosions can cause fires, they are less common in residential settings compared to the day-to-day activities like cooking. Natural disasters, such as floods, typically do not directly cause fires; instead, they can lead to other hazards. Vehicle collisions and sinkholes are related to different types of emergencies and do not usually involve the ignition of structures, making them less relevant causes for structure fires.