Types of Fire Hazards

Eliminate fire hazards to prevent fires in the home.

Fire hazards in the home, outdoors and at work put people and property at risk. Improper storage, maintenance and use of everyday items increase the risk of fire. Fire prevention is essential. Reduce the risk of fire with your choice of building materials and landscape design, and by following fire safety recommendations for the home and office.

Electrical Hazards

Overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords commonly cause fires in the kitchen, living room, bathroom and workplace. Frayed electrical cords also present a risk. Electric appliances and fixtures can be dangerous if used improperly. Electric heaters cause fires from overuse and when they are placed in an unsafe location near combustible materials. Microwaves need plenty of ventilation to prevent fire. Light fixtures can sometimes ignite when the wattage of the light bulb exceeds manufacturer's recommendations, or when the wrong type of bulb is used in a fixture. Any appliance or electronic item that is not working properly may also be a fire risk. Unplug it until it is repaired or discarded.

Combustible Materials Indoors

A match in the hands of a child is one of the most deadly fire hazards. Other hazards include clutter, burning cigarettes and the wearing of loose-fitting clothing when cooking over an open fire like a gas stove or grill. According to Thomas McMurchie, former District Chief of the Apple Valley, Minnesota Fire Department, clutter not only fuels a fire, it also keeps firefighters from gaining access and extinguishing the flames. Certain types of clutter, such as paper, boxes and old clothing, coupled with the flammable liquids often stored in garages can make a fire burn hotter and faster. Newspaper stored in a warm, damp environment can spontaneously ignite. Live Christmas trees also present an extreme fire hazard.

Combustible Materials Outdoors

Flammable vegetation can easily ignite with a single spark from a lawn mower or piece of power equipment. Some states, such as California, require a defensible cleared space around structures on private grass and timber-covered lands. Maintaining a clean and green area is a crucial defense in areas prone to wildfires. Replace combustible roofing materials with a fire-retardant roof.

Flammable Liquids

Cleaning fluids, paints, varnishes, stains, paint thinners and removers, gasoline, oil and aerosols are examples of flammable liquids that are hazards at home and work. Store gasoline in an outbuilding away from the home. Never use gasoline to light a barbecue. Oily rags, including cloths that have been used to clean up oil spills in the kitchen, are flammable. Keep them away from open flames, pilot lights and the clothes dryer. Oily rags that have been washed may still contain enough oil to ignite in the dryer. Store oil-soaked materials in a labeled and sealed metal container. Aerosol cans are very dangerous if used near any source of flame, including pilot lights, candles, fireplaces and cigarettes.

Hidden Dangers

A buildup of dryer lint in the clothes dryer and exhaust line is a fire hazard. Clean the lint trap before each use and keep the exhaust line clean as well. Lighting fixtures in a storage closet become a danger when items are stacked or stored too close to the light. The light does not have to come into contact with combustible materials to cause ignition. An electric blanket can overheat and ignite if it is tucked under the mattress or when compressed by something heavy. Damp charcoal also can ignite, so keep it in a cool, dry place. Store it in a metal container with a lid.

References

• Spokane Valley Fire Department: Identifying Fire Hazards in Your Home
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: 100' Defensible Space Make Your Home Fire Safe
• Family Education: Household Fire Hazards
• City of Phoenix: Home Fire Hazards
• Thomas McMurchie, Retired District Chief; Apple Valley Fire Department; Apple Valley, Minnesota

Resources

• U.S. Fire Administration: Hurricane/Tornado Fire Safety