What are the most common causes of house fires? From 2010 to 2012, cooking equipment was the leading cause of residential fires. Cooking equipment was responsible for 149,000 fires. This represents about 41.3% of residential fires during that period. Heating and cooling equipment was the second leading cause. HVAC equipment caused about 45,300 fires. Electrical distribution equipment was the third leading cause, resulting in 9,600 fires. By ProMatcher Staff Updated: 08/08/2016 Next Question Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Next Question Find Local Pros Free Actuaries Cost Estimates Related Questions How many injuries involve vacuum cleaners? How Many Forklift Injuries Occur Each Year? How many people are killed by wood chippers? How many flooring-related injuries occur each year? How many home fires occur each year?