7 Alarming Causes of Roofing Fires and How to Prevent Them

What Causes Roofing Fires?

While many house fires begin inside, roofing fires often start outside or near the top of the home—making them much harder to notice until it's too late. Below are the most common causes and what you can do to lower your risk:

1. Electrical Problems Near the Roof

Wires that run through attics, ceilings, or rooftop HVAC units can be hidden fire risks. Old wiring, loose connections, or overloaded circuits close to your roofline can spark and catch fire without warning.

Prevention Tip: Have a licensed electrician check your rooftop electrical systems at least once a year—especially after installing anything new. It also helps to work closely with roofers on roof projects to make sure wiring stays safe and untouched during roof repairs or upgrades.

2. Chimney Issues and Flue Damage

If you don't take care of your chimney, it can send fires or hot embers straight onto your roof. Roofing fires are more likely to happen if you have creosote buildup, cracked flues, or spark guards that are missing.

Prevention Tip: Make chimney cleaning part of your yearly routine and install a chimney cap for extra protection. Experts like the CMHC, CSIA, and NFPA all recommend getting your chimney inspected and cleaned every year to avoid dangerous fire hazards.

3. Lightning Strikes on Roofs Without Protection

Homes without lightning protection—especially those with metal or wood shake roofs—are more likely to be damaged during storms. One lightning strike is enough to start a fire or cause a power surge that sets off rooftop flames.

Prevention Tip: Installing a lightning rod system can direct strikes safely to the ground. Experts from the NRC and other safety organizations suggest using proper grounding, surge protectors, and roof lightning protection systems to reduce fire risk and protect your home. For a helpful overview, check out this guide on roof lightning protection systems by IKO.

4. Poorly Installed Solar Panels or Skylights

Canada is using more and more solar power, but windows and solar panels can start fires if they aren't installed correctly. Bad wiring or sloppy installation can lead to trouble—especially when moisture seeps in and reaches electrical parts. That mix of water, heat, and wires is a recipe for roofing fires.

Prevention Tip: Always work with certified technicians and trusted roofing contractors who knows about roofing fires when adding anything to your roof. Planning to go solar? Make sure your roof is ready first. Preparing it properly helps you avoid long-term problems. You can also check out this helpful guide on the 7 Essential Steps to Prepare for Solar Panels on Roof Installation to make sure everything’s safe before the panels go up.

5. Overheated Roof Vents or Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans and roof vents keep air moving through your house. However, they can overheat and even start roofing fires if they become clogged with dust, lint, or other material, especially during the warmer months.

Prevention Tip: Check and clean your vents regularly—every few months is a good habit. If you notice odd smells or loud noises coming from them, it’s smart to call both a ventilation expert and experienced roofers on roof teams to look things over and catch any fire risks early.

6. Wildfires and Flying Embers

Wildfires are a real danger if you live in the country or near woods. Flying embers can land on your roof and easily start a fire in materials that are easy to spark, like wood shingles. It's one of the main outside reasons of roof fires in these areas.

Prevention Tip: Go with fire-resistant roofing materials like metal or asphalt Class A shingles. The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) also stresses the importance of good roof ventilation to help reduce fire hazards. Their Roofing Practices Manual even includes expert tips on how to set up safe ventilation systems that can stop heat from building up and lower the chance of a fire.

7. Negligent Roofing Work or Smoking on the Roof

Roofing fires often happen because someone wasn’t careful—like smoking too close to flammable stuff or using a torch without following safety steps. Sometimes, it’s because the workers don’t have enough experience or no one’s there to guide them. A small job can turn into a big disaster fast.

To prevent this, make sure you're hiring trained and certified roofers on roof who understand local fire safety rules. Before you agree to anything, check if the company has the right insurance and has gone through fire safety training.

Simple Ways to Prevent Roofing Fires

It doesn't have to be hard to stay on top of roof safety. To help lower the risk of a fire, here is a quick list:

• Use roofing materials with a Class A fire rating
• Get your roof and chimney checked at least once a year
• Clear out dry leaves and other flammable debris from gutters and roof valleys
• Make sure the attic wiring is in good condition
• Check if the vents are blocked or getting too hot
• Always double-check the credentials of any contractor, especially when searching for ‘roofing contractors near me’ in Google

When to Call a Pro

If you smell smoke in the attic, spot ceiling stains, or notice exposed wires near rooftop equipment, don’t wait. Call in the experts right away. Look for ‘roofing contractors near me’ in any searching platforms who have solid reviews and take safety seriously. Skilled roofers on roof know what warning signs to watch for and can suggest budget-friendly ways to make your roof more fire-resistant.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Danger

Roofing fires might not happen often, but when they do, the damage can be devastating. Many of these fires could have been avoided with a bit of routine care or the right team on the job.

You protect more than just your roof when you do regular maintenance and work with professionals you can trust. You protect your house, your family, and your peace of mind.

If you want to avoid roofs fires in the future, don't wait for something bad to happen. Schedule a safety check today.