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Common Causes of Fire

Monitoring the trends related to the common causes of fire provides invaluable information that helps focus fire prevention efforts.

Historically, many fires occurred in government buildings due to the careless disposal of smoking material into wastepaper baskets. As a result of the no-smoking ban inside government buildings, such fires have become very uncommon.

However, in today's world of electronic office equipment, we are seeing an increase in fire incidents due to faulty electrical equipment and power distribution systems.

Many common causes of fire can be related to some of the following:

Open Flames

Examples of such unsafe conditions are as follows:

  • negligence in conducting hot work, such as welding, cutting or grinding;
  • improper use of candles;
  • improper handling of flammable or combustible liquids or flammable gases in near-to-potential ignition sources; and
  • matches and cigarettes that are improperly disposed of, or left unattended near combustibles.

Electrical

Examples of such unsafe conditions are as follows:

  • damaged electrical conductors, plug wires or extension cords;
  • use of faulty, modified or unapproved electrical equipment;
  • insufficient space or clearance between electrical heating equipment and combustibles;
  • short or overloaded circuits;
  • loose electrical connections; and
  • lighting.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

  • Do not use electrical equipment that is in poor repair or that has a damaged cord.
  • Do not overload circuits or extension cords.
  • Use approved power bars instead of circuit splitters.
  • Keep electrical heating appliances at a safe distance from combustibles.

Cooking

Examples of possible unsafe conditions are as follows:

  • deep frying in pots or pans on stove tops;
  • unattended cooking appliances; and
  • combustibles located dangerously close to cooking equipment.

General Office Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

  • In order to avoid cooking hazards, many offices have mini-kitchens where staff may prepare their own food.
  • Toasters and microwave ovens should not be located in general office areas. It is preferable that these appliances be placed in kitchen areas only.
  • Avoid deep fat frying. If you typically deep-fry your food, use a thermostat controlled appliance, and never leave it unattended.
  • Keep all combustible materials, such as paper towels and cloths, at a safe distance.

Spontaneous Ignition and the Ignition of Waste Materials

Examples of such unsafe conditions are as follows:

  • improper disposal of materials susceptible to spontaneous combustion, such as oily rags from wood finishing or polishing;
  • accumulation of organic materials, such as green hay, grain or woodchips; and
  • accumulation of waste combustible materials near potential sources of ignition.

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Date Modified:
2011-09-13