Don’t get burned by your garage.
Between 2021 and 2023, Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services crews responded to 11 working structure fires that originated in a garage. There were three in 2021, and four each in 2022 and 2023, Chief Brent Thomas told InnisfilToday.
“The cause of these fires range from faulty/improper charging of batteries to a wood stove installed incorrectly,” he said.
Incidents sparked in garages actually make up a small percentage of total structure fires handled by the department. Firefighters were called to 17, 15 and 30 structure fires — numbers that exclude vehicle fires — in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
But the emerging problem with garages, to some extent, lies in the change of their usage, with many now being converted into added living space. That means there is often a greater stress placed on electrical devices than what the garage was initially meant to handle.
So, what is to be done to reduce the risks and stop the problem from growing? Fire prevention officer Mike Symes urges residents to focus on safe battery usage, and avoid clutter within their garages because debris buildup is often flammable and helps to fuel a blaze.
“Ensure battery chargers are designed for use with that type of battery,” he said. “Only use manufacturer specified replacements. Once a battery is completely charged, it must be removed from the charger to avoid overheat/overcharge. Charge batteries on a hard surface, clear of clutter.”
Here are some other tips:
- Store combustible liquids like oil, gasoline, paint, propane and varnish in the approved, appropriate containers, preferably in a shed away from the home.
- Keep flammable materials away from heat and electrical sources.
- Do not use grills, generators or any fossil fuel-burning equipment in the garage.
- Do not overload electrical circuits with power bars and extension cords beyond the rated capacity.
For more information on fire prevention, visit innisfil.ca.
