The Most Common Causes of Commercial Fires | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage remediation in process at a commercial building

Proper Training and Maintenance Can Help Prevent Workplace Fires

Unfortunately, commercial fire damage in Montgomery, AL and across the rest of the United States happens more frequently than you might think. While there are several reasons a fire may spark in a commercial building, some are much more common than others. Here’s a quick look at some of the more common causes. Human Error Many commercial fires can be attributed to human error and are not meant to be malicious. For example, spilling liquids on electrical equipment, leaving a coffee pot on, or burning food in the kitchen can easily cause a fire to break out. To decrease the chances of this happening in your commercial building, perform risk assessments to determine if any changes need to be implemented, provide proper staff training, and ensure fire extinguishers are easily accessible throughout the building. Negligence Negligence fires result from someone not following proper procedures and can usually be easily avoided by adequate staff training. For example, storing or mishandling flammable items or covering electrical equipment that must have air can result in a fire that causes significant commercial fire damage. Arson Unfortunately, arson is a frequent cause of commercial fires, particularly in industrial buildings and factories. Arson may be an act of vandalism, an attempt to collect insurance money or even the work of an unhappy employee. To minimize the damage associated with arson, you may want to consider installing an automatic sprinkler system. Faulty Wiring/ Electrics Electrical issues are another frequent cause of commercial fires. For example, outdated equipment, loose or frayed wires, and overloaded plugins can spark a fire with little to no advance warning. It is essential to ensure your electrical equipment, including boilers, water heaters, and furnaces, are in good working order and can handle their workload. To ensure your equipment/ appliances are functioning properly, you may want to invest in a portable appliance tester (PAT). As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO® of Montgomery is conveniently located to ensure a fast response to your commercial fire emergency. If you experience a commercial fire in Highland Park, Montgomery, Halcyon, or the surrounding areas, our trained technicians have the resources and tools to help. Call (334) 273-0992 today.