Modern building materials work wonders for homeowners — they make homes easier and cheaper to build, they’re generally stronger and they take less time to construct.

But this convenience comes at a cost that homeowners need to be aware of: Increased fire devastation.

According to research by Underwriters Laboratories, a nationally recognized safety testing company based in Illinois, the combination of home-building materials, synthetic materials used in furniture and open home designs cause fires in modern-day homes to burn much faster than in older homes.

UL Consumer Safety Director John Drengenberg says he wants families to be aware of the importance of early warning and immediate evacuation.

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