These Things Can Lead to a Warehouse Fire

Checking fire extinguishers in the warehouse. Woman Engineer shall record and verify the presence of fire extinguishersWhen a warehouse experiences a big fire, it usually makes the news because smoke clouds the sky and can be seen for miles around, right? What are some of the most common causes of warehouse fires?

Electrical Issues

First, there are electrical and/or lighting problems that can cause warehouse fires. For instance, an exposed or frayed wire could end up causing a fire in the warehouse.

Too Much Garbage

Next, here’s the issue of garbage in the warehouse. Many warehouse fires have started when an open flame or an unmonitored heat source got close to garbage and a fire spread because of it.

Heating Equipment

Thirdly, sometimes heating equipment causes fires. Whether the equipment is old or faulty, or perhaps placed too close to certain items, it’s not unusual for warehouse fires to start thanks to heating equipment for whatever reason.

Exposure Fires

If a fire starts in one part of the warehouse and then spreads to other buildings on the premises, that’s called an “exposure fire,” and it happens all too often with warehouse buildings. Sometimes fire equipment isn’t present or up-to-code and fires spread out of control. If fire sprinklers don’t work, trouble ensues.

Combustible Liquids

Finally, you’ve got to watch out for combustible liquids in warehouses since they can cause fires if not handled or stored properly. Employees need to be trained on how to handle combustible liquids in order to prevent fires– when guidelines aren’t followed, fires can start.

If and when a fire starts in a warehouse then sprinklers should ideally extinguish it; Fire companies should also send fire trucks and firefighters to investigate the scene. People inside the warehouse should have an evacuation plan in place and use it– they should exit the building(s) when a fire alarm goes off.

Looking for a replacement fire alarm parts for warehouses? If so, Life Safety Consultants can help you every step of the way. Check out inventory and contact us with any questions you might have.

Leave a Reply

  • (will not be published)