City sharing fire safety tips after recent increase in residential garage fires

The Burlington Fire Department has identified an increasing number of residential garage fires occurring in Burlington over the last year. Approximately one in every four structure fire calls received were determined to have started in the garage.

In 2022, garage fires in Burlington resulted in nearly five million dollars in losses, causing some significant injuries. While storing power tools, gas, oil, and paint in garages is common, it heightens the risk and consequences in the event of a fire outbreak. This is due to the flammable and explosive components of these household items.

The majority of these fires are preventable. The Burlington Fire Department is sharing tips on how to reduce the risk of fire in residential garages.

Electrical Safety:

• Schedule an inspection of your home and garage wiring by a licensed certified electrician.
• Plug appliances, tools, and charging devices directly into wall sockets. Unplug them when not in use.
• Avoid using extension cords, particularly if they are old or damaged.

Lithium-ion Battery Products:

• Only use devices with CSA, cUL, or cETL logos.
• Avoid using aftermarket or “knock-off” batteries as they may not be compatible with your product or fulfill Canadian safety standards.
• Use the original battery, charging cable, and docking station provided with the device.
• Avoid leaving the device plugged in overnight or near exit doors.
• Stop using the battery if you notice overheating, odors, leaks or unusual noises.

Flammable Material Handling:

• Avoid letting rags spotted with paint, varnish or flammable materials pile up.
• Store used rags in a sealed metal container filled with water and detergent.
• Consider storing flammable substances in small quantities.

General Fire Safety Tips:

• Declutter your garage to eliminate potential fuel sources for fires.
• Avoid using cooking devices, welding tools, and grinders inside the garage.
• Smoke outside and use deep, sturdy ashtrays for cigarette disposal.
• Explore the option of installing a heat alarm in the garage for early fire detection.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quote

Karen Roche, Burlington Fire Chief

“By making small changes to our everyday habits, we can significantly lower the risk of garage fires and keep our families, homes, and belongings safe. Let's work together to keep our community safe and prevent these avoidable incidents.”

Links and Resources

• To learn more about the main causes of garage fires and prevention tips, visit: burlington.ca/garagesafety

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