Garage fires pose a significant danger. The reason for this is that garages are typically located within a garage cooperative or are surrounded by adjacent structures. Standalone garages are usually situated in close proximity to residential buildings. Consequently, a fire in a garage carries the risk of rapid fire spread to nearby structures. Since the beginning of the current year, 8 fires have occurred in the Lepel district, 4 of which were garage fires.
Garage fires pose a significant danger. The reason for this is that garages are typically located within a garage cooperative or are surrounded by adjacent structures. Standalone garages are usually situated in close proximity to residential buildings. Consequently, a fire in a garage carries the risk of rapid fire spread to nearby structures. Since the beginning of the current year, 8 fires have occurred in the Lepel district, 4 of which were garage fires.
One of the most common causes of fires is the violation of rules for the operation of electrical networks and electrical equipment (short circuit of electrical wiring). The most common causes of electrical wiring fire hazards are overloads and short circuits, leading to fires. Hence, a number of requirements: the type of electrical wiring and its installation method must be chosen correctly (this should be done by a specialist electrician); the type of electrical wiring and the characteristics of the wires, cables, and conduits used must comply with the permissible installation methods on supporting bases and structures; proper selection of electrical protection must also be made; the electrical wiring installation itself must be carried out by specialists; during the operation of electrical networks, their overloading must not be allowed.
Additionally, sources of danger in garages include carbon monoxide, flammable liquids, toxic substances, and disregard for fire safety rules. Therefore, try to remove all clutter from garages: "useful" items that have been lying around for years, old furniture, and building materials.
It is advisable to store spare parts and tools in special cabinets or shelving units. Ensure good ventilation. Be sure to provide a first-aid kit, several bottles of clean water, soap, and a fire extinguisher. When working with toxic substances, use gloves, and in general, when entering the garage, it is best to change into work clothes.
Under no circumstances should children be left unattended in the garage, and certainly do not allow them to go there without you.
Douse fire to warm up a car, heat locks; there are special sprays and other safer methods for this.
Remember that in garage premises, as well as in open parking lots, the following are not permitted:
- painting of vehicles, washing of parts with flammable and combustible liquids;
- refueling of vehicles with fuels and lubricants, as well as their disposal into the sewage system or onto the adjacent territory. Used fuels and lubricants, filters, rags, and other materials should be collected in containers made of non-combustible materials, equipped with closing lids;
- heating engines, carrying out repair work using open fire (torches, blowtorches, and other sources of fire), as well as using open sources of fire for lighting during repair and other work;
- carrying out gas and electric welding operations.
What should be done if a fire occurs in a garage?
Without losing a second, call rescuers by phone numbers 101 or 112. Before their arrival, assess the situation first. If the spread of fire is accompanied by explosions of fuel, it is better not to approach the burning objects. De-energize the garage, and if this is not possible, under no circumstances use water to extinguish the fire, try to cover the source of ignition with sand.
From a burning garage, first of all, try to push the car out together. Notify neighbours about the incident so they can also save their vehicles, and, moreover, remove flammable combustible substances from the garages.
Try to stop the spread of fire to other structures, and use sand, soil, fire extinguishers, any improvised means for extinguishing.
Compliance with fire safety rules will help you avoid tragic consequences!