When it comes to determining – and preventing – the most common causes of fires, commercial and residential concerns are not exactly the same. Commercial buildings require some special considerations when pinpointing where, when and how a fire is most likely to start. Here are some of the most common causes of commercial fires and how forensic fire investigators can help.
Cooking fires
Cooking accidents are responsible for a large percentage of non-residential fires. This is true in restaurants, but it also applies to other types of commercial spaces, such as office buildings. Cooking fires and fires related to cooking equipment are easily prevented and damage can be minimised with safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and alarms.
Arson
After kitchen fires, arson is one of the most common reasons for commercial fires. These intentionally started fires tend to cause the most damage and result in the most injuries and deaths. Unlike cooking fires, which are most common during business hours, intentional fires are more common at night when the business is closed. Arsonists often start fires in bathrooms, rubbish bins, garages and open areas such as fields and gardens.
Human error
Sometimes, fires are the result of a careless act or mistake on the part of an individual. Accidental fires can occur at any time and in any place; some examples include discarded cigarette butts, leaving space heaters on for too long or too close to flammable items such as curtains, and having too many things plugged into the same multi-box.
Heating fires
Fires related to heating are also common. These fires can originate with central heating units, water heaters, fireplaces and other heating systems. These systems should be inspected regularly to uncover damage and wear and to prevent fires. Also, be sure to keep flammable materials away from sources of heat.
Preventing a commercial fire
Is your business protected from a fire? There are several things you can do to minimise the odds of a fire starting on your property. Make sure that you have the proper safety equipment in place including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and a commercial sprinkler system. Also, consult with a forensic fire investigator about how often to have your fire prevention strategy assessed and your equipment inspected. A professional fire investigator can ensure that you not only have the necessary safety protocols in place but are also compliant with industry requirements and standards.
If you need a forensic fire investigation, Fahrenheit Global can provide these services. Our investigators have extensive experience in fire investigation and prevention and can help you to ensure that your property is safe. Your employees and customers alike will appreciate being able to feel safe and secure in your business, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done everything you can to prevent a fire from starting and causing costly damage, or worse. To learn more about our services, contact Fahrenheit Global today.
Having worked on a range of significant projects across the globe, our experience, expertise, proactive attitude as well as attention to detail allows us to provide a first-class spectrum of fire engineering services. Our Fire Safety Engineers work with Developers, Architects, Private Sector, Government and Primary Industries as well as Insurance Companies.
