Two different fires occurred this past week in Chesterfield, with common causes. In last week’s article, I wrote about the potential increase in the number of residential fires due to people being home more than ever. The causes of these two fires were ones of which that I have written many times in the past. If the chances of a fire occurring are greater, then we need to look at the most common causes and do everything to keep those kinds of fires from occurring. The most common causes of residential fires are unattended cooking, combustibles placed too close to a heat source, improper use or disposal of smoking materials, fires caused by candles, children playing with lighters or matches, and electrical malfunctions. One part of the problem is knowing the common causes of fires. Once you know them, then you need to do whatever is necessary to prevent a fire from occurring because of them.
The first fire occurred in an apartment complex. This fire was caused by combustibles placed too close to a heat source. The rule of thumb is that combustibles should be kept at least three feet from all heat sources. The problem with fires in multi-family dwellings is that the building houses multiple people, who could be displaced by someone else’s fire. I have said many times that every person living in an apartment complex should have renters’ insurance. Renters’ insurance is relatively inexpensive with huge benefit. Again, a multi-family dwelling causes you to have to beware of your actions and the actions of every other person in your building. With everyone staying home, the probability of a fire is much greater. Have you checked the smoke alarms in your house or apartment? If not, go do it right now.
The second fire was a cooking-related fire that extended to two rooms and the attic. This fire displaced all occupants. Cooking-related fires are the most common cause of residential fires in the nation; 3.7 out of every 10 fires are caused by cooking. Another problem with this type of fire is that many times people try to deal with this fire and end up getting burned in the process. Cooking is a full-time job, requiring a person’s undivided attention. With the chances being the greatest that this type of fire will occur in your home, we must be ever-mindful of the possibility. Have you checked your smoke alarms in your home or apartment? I repeat, if not, go do it right now.
No matter what the cause, a fire in your home could be deadly. Every residential dwelling should be protected by a proper number of properly operating smoke alarms. If your smoke alarms are connected in series, you should be able to test one detector to know that they are all working. If your smoke alarms are battery-operated, then you need to check each one of them individually. If you have a nuisance alarm, do not disable it, but move it. A nuisance alarm is one that goes off every time you cook, take a shower, or burn a fire in the fireplace. Once you know that you have the right number of properly operating smoke alarms, then you have to know that your family will wake up when your smoke alarms are activating. You should check your smoke alarms monthly. Have you checked them? Again, if not, go do it right now.
If ever we were living in a time when fires need to be prevented, it is now. COVID-19 has changed everything for everybody. Some people have family with which they can stay after a fire, but some have nowhere to go. I am sure that lodging can be found, but it might be challenging. With shopping centers closed, it could be difficult to replace clothing. Fires are devastating in and of themselves. COVID-19 just complicates things further. Do everything possible to keep your family safe, not only from fire, but also from this virus. Have you checked your home’s alarms? Once more, if not, go do it right now.
