Electric stoves are involved in 53 percent of home appliance-related fires. However, these fires are mostly the result of careless cooking rather than stove malfunction. Electric stoves and fixed heating units cause the most residential fire deaths, while electric stoves and portable heaters are the leading cause of residential fire injuries. In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 28 percent of residential electrical fires. Nearly 30 percent of home electrical wiring fires can be traced to the misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or through high traffic areas.
Frayed wires can cause fires.
Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords immediately. Use electrical extension cords wisely. Don't overload them. When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the UL standard for safety. Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.