Garage Fire Damage: The 3 Most Common Causes
9/19/2022 (Permalink)
The number one best way to avoid garage fire damage is to be aware of how they begin.
The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek have seen it all when it comes to fire damage and know that a fire is often preventable. We want to ensure you and your family are as safe as possible and avoid the devastation of a preventable fire because fire damage can leave your garage and home in disarray and cause long-lasting damage if not adequately treated.
In the past year, we have received multiple service calls regarding garage fire damage. Out of all the garage fires that we have restored, we have seen three causes reoccur the most often:
- Flammable materials improperly stored
- Gas-engine malfunctions
- Indoor grilling
The following blog post will look at each of these causes in more detail so you can be as prepared as possible and avoid fire damage to your garage.
What is garage fire damage?
Garage fire damage is any fire damage that occurs in the garage. Depending on the cause and the burn time, the size could be anything from a small fire to a large blaze that engulfs the entire garage. It is essential to follow garage fire safety because a garage fire can be devastating, leaving your home and belongings in disarray. Garage fire damage can also cause long-lasting damage to your home if not properly treated.
The causes of garage fires
Garage fire damage is a severe issue that can have several causes. The most common causes of garage fires are flammable materials improperly stored, engine malfunctions, and indoor grilling. Let's discuss these three garage fire causes in further detail below.
Flammable materials improperly stored: one of the most common causes of garage fire is flammable materials that are improperly stored. For example, many people store gasoline, paint thinner, and oil in their garage, and when these items are exposed to heat or an open flame, they can easily ignite and cause a fire. Therefore, it is best to store all flammable materials safely away from heat sources to prevent them from starting a garage fire.
Gas-engine malfunctions: another common cause of a garage fire is gas-engine malfunctions. When a car or other gas-powered engine overheats, it can easily ignite any nearby flammable materials and cause a fire. Therefore, you will want to have all gas-powered engines regularly serviced and keep them clean to avoid a fire outbreak.
Indoor grilling: another common cause of garage fire is indoor grilling. Many people use their garage as a place to grill, but if a garage is not well ventilated, it can easily ignite any nearby flammable materials and cause a fire. To prevent this, it's essential to grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Steps to follow to restore your garage after a fire
Even the most prepared property owners can suffer from garage fire damage. So, after a garage fire, you will want to follow these steps to ensure that your garage is properly restored:
- Contact a fire restoration company. The right fire restoration company will have the experience and training to restore your garage and belongings properly.
- Call your insurance provider. Your homeowner's insurance should cover garage fire damage, so it's essential to call your provider and start the claims process as soon as possible.
- Prioritize removing all important damaged items from the garage. Some important items may include paperwork, clothing, and oriental rugs.
How do the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek help after a garage fire?
When you call our SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek professionals, we will work quickly to restore your garage to its pre-fire condition. After we receive your emergency service call, we will:
- Inspect the garage for any safety hazards.
- Remove any damaged belongings from the garage.
- Clean and deodorize the garage by removing any soot or smoke residue.
- Repair any damage caused by the fire.
- Restore any salvageable contents
We understand that garage fires can be devastating, so we will work quickly and efficiently to get your garage and home back to normal. If you have any questions or want to schedule an estimate, don't hesitate to contact us today.