Home fires remain one of the most common and devastating emergencies facing families across the U.S. At American Restoration Water & Fire LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a fire can turn into a life-altering event. That’s why it’s critical to understand the statistics—and take action to protect your home and loved ones.

The Reality of Home Fires in the U.S.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• A fire department responds to a fire every 93 seconds
• Home fires account for the majority of civilian fire deaths
• Over $11 billion in property damage was caused by residential fires in 2023

These aren’t just national trends. In recent years, New Mexico has seen devastating fires in our forests, river valleys and grasslands. In communities like Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe, our team at American Restoration responds to fire damage calls year-round. Understanding the risks can help you prevent becoming part of the statistics of people who’ve suffered fire damage.

Most Common Causes of Home Fires

The top five causes of home fires are:

1. Unattended Cooking

Kitchen fires are the number one cause of house fires. Grease, high heat, and distractions can quickly turn into a disaster. Most fire emergencies we respond to in New Mexico originate in the kitchen. Never leave something unattended on the stove and keep any combustible materials away from the gas burner or electric burner.

2. Heating Equipment

Space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces are a frequent winter fire hazard. When placed too close to curtains or furniture, they can ignite nearby objects in seconds. Be sure to use space heaters with an automatic shutoff and never plug one into an extension cord. Have your chimney or flue inspected for built-up creosote and cleaned when needed.

3. Electrical Malfunctions

Outdated wiring, overloaded power strips, and faulty appliances are major fire risks—especially in older homes. At American Restoration, we see electrical-related fires often, and many of them start in basements or attics where damage goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

4. Smoking Materials

Carelessly discarded cigarettes remain one of the leading causes of fatal home fires. Most of these fires start in living rooms or bedrooms where flammable materials are nearby. Even cell phones can overheat when under your pillow!

5. Intentional Fires

While not as common, arson and intentionally set fires still account for a portion of residential and commercial fires. We handle these situations with extra care and confidentiality, offering support to families or the business’ staff and working with your insurance company to handle the details.

What Happens After the Flames Are Out?

Fire damage doesn’t stop once the fire is extinguished. In fact, some of the most dangerous damage begins afterward. Water from firefighting efforts saturates floors, drywall, insulation, and framing. Left untreated, this leads to mold growth, warped structures, and further deterioration.

At the same time, smoke and soot particles penetrate every surface—fabrics, carpets, HVAC systems, and even behind walls. Lingering smoke odors and soot contamination can pose health risks, especially to children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions.

Why Professional Restoration Matters

Trying to clean up fire damage yourself is risky and often ineffective. Smoke and soot can’t be fully removed with household cleaners, and improperly handled water damage leads to long-term problems.

That’s where American Restoration Water & Fire comes in. We offer:

• 24/7 emergency response
• Board-up and site security
• Smoke, soot, and odor removal
• Thermal imaging and moisture detection
• Structural drying and mold prevention
• Full-service reconstruction and rebuilds

We are IICRC-certified and follow the highest industry standards to ensure that your home is safe, clean, and fully restored.

Local Fire Damage Experts You Can Trust

Serving homeowners across all of New Mexico, we are proud to be a trusted name in disaster recovery. Our technicians are not only trained in fire damage response, but they’re also familiar with local housing styles, building codes, and climate conditions that impact restoration timelines.

Whether your home is in a historic district in Albuquerque or a new development in Rio Rancho, we tailor our services to your unique property. We’ve worked with countless families to restore their homes quickly and with compassion. We’ve also handled large fire restoration projects for many commercial businesses.

Insurance Support Every Step of the Way

Dealing with fire damage is stressful enough—navigating the insurance claim process shouldn’t add to that stress. At American Restoration, we work directly with your insurance company to:

• Document all damage with photos and reports
• Provide detailed estimates for repairs
• Communicate directly with adjusters
• Expedite approvals and payment processing

We’ve helped clients recover thousands of dollars in claim funds they didn’t know they were entitled to. You can trust us to advocate on your behalf and get your home back to pre-loss condition without delays.

Fire Prevention Tips 

At American Restoration, we believe that prevention is just as important as response. Here are some quick fire safety tips every household should follow:

• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change batteries twice a year.
• Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using grease or high heat.
• Keep flammable materials at least three feet from space heaters.
• Avoid overloading outlets or running cords under rugs.
• Have a fire escape plan, and practice it with your family or staff at least once a year.

We also recommend annual inspections for chimneys, furnaces, and older wiring systems. If you’re unsure whether your home is at risk, contact us—we’re happy to help guide you toward fire-safe solutions.

Fire Damage Is Devastating. Recovery Doesn’t Have to Be.

If you’ve experienced fire damage in your home, don’t wait to call for help. Smoke, water, and structural issues can worsen with every passing hour. The sooner our team is on-site, the faster and more complete your recovery will be.

📞 Emergency Fire Response: 505-206-5277

American Restoration Water & Fire LLC has helped families across New Mexico recover, rebuild, and restore what matters most. Let us help you get back on your feet—with compassion, expertise, and 24/7 support.