What do electrical fires smell like? Parts of my house smell like skunk. Going outside, it smells like a campfire. I do not see smoke and do not want to pay the fire dept. to check on nothing. Should I worry?

Electrical fires will smell depending on what combustible materials may be involved, such as the insulating plastics of devices, panels, wire, etc, along with wood and other building materials.

Ask if the fire dept has an Infrared camera to scan the home looking for hidden hotspots. Some local electrical contractors may have one also.

Loose connections can "cook" for days inside walls, not to scare you.

Call the fire department and simply describe your suspicions. They will GLADLY send someone out to confirm. Do you really want to sleep thinking you have a dangerous situation in your residence?