The Burlington Fire Department is sounding the alarm in light of a recent increase in garage fires.
According to Burlington fire Chief Karen Roche, an upward trend in residential garage fires has been seen over the last three years, resulting in many serious injuries and more than $5.5 million in damage.
Roughly one in every four structure fire calls received across the city between 2021 and 2023 were found to have originated in the garage.
Among the leading causes was improper disposal of flammable materials like oily rags and lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
Storing power tools, gas, oil and paint in garages may be common, but this — said Roche — increases the chances of serious damage in the event of a fire due to their flammable and even explosive nature.
With that in mind, the local fire department offers these safety tips to minimize the risk of a garage fire.
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, odours, 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
• 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.