Which of the following is a common cause of residential fires?

Cooking is indeed a common cause of residential fires and is often cited as the leading cause in many households. This is primarily due to the variety of cooking methods and the presence of flammable materials in kitchens. Unattended cooking, the use of oils that can ignite, and kitchen appliances malfunctioning all contribute to the risk of fire.

In addition, cooking involves the application of heat to food, which can easily lead to flare-ups or igniting nearby combustible materials if not monitored properly. Statistically, many residential fires start during meal preparation, demonstrating both the frequency and the potential danger associated with cooking tasks.

Understanding this helps emphasize the importance of kitchen safety practices, such as staying present while cooking, keeping flammable items away from stovetops, and ensuring that cooking equipment is in good working order.