5 Causes of Commercial Fires

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fires pose severe risks to assets, property, and human life. In most cases, commercial fires can be easily prevented by installing fire safety systems. However, even with the best state-of-the-art fire alarm and sprinkler systems and robust fire prevention protocols, fire accidents in commercial buildings can happen. 

Knowing the causes of commercial fires is the first step in avoiding them. As a responsible business owner, it’s crucial to protect your assets, staff, and belongings from the risk of fire. Please read on to learn how to reduce the first risk in your building. 

Common Causes of Commercial Fires

1. Cooking and Heating Appliances

Businesses that serve food or have kitchen areas are at risk of commercial fires. Flammable oils, electrical equipment, and high temperatures contribute to cooking fires. Faulty heating equipment during the winter months can also lead to fires. 

It is vital — and often a legal requirement — to inspect heating systems regularly to prevent malfunction or overheating of components. 

In addition, individuals operating cooking equipment should have adequate fire prevention training and know how to use safety equipment. And sprinkler systems should be in place to prevent further fire spread.

2. Electrical and Lighting Malfunction

Buildings with improper, overloaded, and defective wiring systems are prone to power surges that result in catastrophic commercial building fires. In addition, employing unskilled building contractors violates electrical codes, putting your assets at risk. Other commercial fire causes include old equipment, wiring faults, and overloaded circuits.

To prevent electrical fires, ensure that all electrical and lighting installations meet safety standards. 

3. HVAC System Malfunction

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are vital to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality of commercial premises. Industrial fires occur when the HVAC system fails, is overloaded, or short circuits. In addition, flammable materials near heat sources can easily catch fire.

Many states have legal requirements to fit rooms and hallways with smoke alarms. Additionally, it’s crucial to regularly inspect heating systems before winter when they are heavily used. Finally, flammable materials should be securely stored and away from heat sources. 

4. Arson or Intentional FIres

Unfortunately, arsonists, vandals, criminals, or hooligans cause some nonresidential building fires. Having adequate fire security systems in place can help reduce the potential devastation an intentional fire can cause. 

In addition, installing security systems with motion detection cameras in dark and rarely used areas can help to prevent criminals from starting a fire. 

5. Unintentional Fires caused by Human Error

Commercial fires caused by human error are hard to predict and avoid. Accidentally leaving room heaters close to flammable objects and overloading power sockets can trigger fires. Therefore, it’s crucial to educate staff on the importance of fire prevention. 

Call SERVPRO of Dallas Love for Help

Has your commercial building in Dallas been damaged by fire? If so, call SERVPRO of Dallas Love at (214) 272-7600 to learn about our cost-effective and efficient Dallas fire damage restoration services. 

With over 20 years of fire protection experience, you can trust us to deliver the best customer service to restore fire-damaged buildings.