It’s been hard to overlook: The spate of major house fires already this year has been, in a word, alarming. 

A couple of those were thought to be caused by squatters in abandoned structures, but most of at least eight fires were attributable to common causes the Honolulu Fire Department often warns against. These include leaving candles unattended, installing but not having smoke detectors that work, overworking faulty extension cords, and leaving soiled rags with paint or chemicals that can spontaneously combust.

Fire is deadly, sometimes fatal, but often preventable. Heeding fire officials’ tips could go a long way to protecting your home, but more importantly, loved ones within that home.

For example, a major Puunui house blaze on Sunday was enabled by an unattended candle and non-working smoke alarm. And on Monday, a Makaha house fire was found to have been caused by spontaneous combustion of discarded paint rags in a plastic trash can in the garage. HFD says paint rags should never be left in a pile, but rinsed thoroughly in water and detergent to break down oils; also, putting them in a tightly covered metal container will prevent fire from starting.

For more important HFD information and tips on keeping home and family safe, see www.honolulu.gov/hfd.