Preventing fires at home
“In the past two years we’ve responded to several fires caused by insufficient ventilation and chimneys not built according to building regulations.”
Residents must please take precautions at home to prevent fires, a local volunteer firefighting organisation has warned.
This was after the Sinoville Firefighters Association (SBBV) responded to two house fires in the north of Pretoria a week ago.
SBBV spokesperson Zenobia Loock du Plessis warned that homeowners should take extra precautionary measures if they have fireplaces inside their homes.
“In the past two years we’ve responded to several fires caused by insufficient ventilation and chimneys not built according to building regulations,” said Loock du Plessis.
She said it is advisable to have a fire extinguisher at home.
Last month, a family in Wonderboom prevented a fire at their house, when they quickly doused the flames that had started in the fireplace using a fire extinguisher they kept at home.
“It is also important to have fire extinguishers regularly taken for a service to ensure that it works when you need it.”
Loock du Plessis said apart from electrical faults, a lot of fires at home often start in storage spaces like garages.
“Often people keep flammable materials such as spirits, pool chemicals and paints stored in their garages.
“There are a few chemicals you do not want to spill and get mixed as it can produce a reaction that could cause fires. And in the event of a fire, these flammable chemicals can make it a lot worse.”
Loock du Plessis also suggests that people remove the batteries of vehicles that stay stationary in garages for long periods.
This, she said, is due to concern for flammable gasses.
According to Arrive Alive, hydrogen and oxygen are produced as a part of the operation of the battery. These gases produce an explosive mixture within the battery and escape through the vents.
Hydrogen and oxygen gases are both evolved during battery recharging. These gases may also be emitted at other times, for example, if the battery is moved or shaken.
It ignites easily and can cause a fire or explosion if allowed to accumulate in a small area.
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