What is the primary source of ignition in residential fires?

Cooking equipment is identified as the primary source of ignition in residential fires. This is largely due to human activity; kitchens are high-traffic areas where various cooking methods are frequently used, and these can inadvertently lead to ignition. For instance, leaving food unattended on the stove, overcooking items, or having flammable materials nearby can increase the risk of a fire starting.

Statistically, cooking-related incidents account for a significant percentage of residential fire occurrences and are often tied to the presence of distractions or negligence in monitoring the cooking process. Compared to other sources of ignition, such as heating equipment, which is often more seasonal, or electrical systems, which may not fail frequently and depend heavily on maintenance and usage practices, cooking equipment's constant use in everyday life contributes to its prevalent role as a fire ignition source.