1 Fire Cause Determination Fire Causes

2 Hot Water Heaters Electric water heaters almost never cause fires. One of the most common ignition sources of fires involving utility rooms are gas water heaters. Find the source of gasoline.

3 Hot Water Heaters (con’t.) Did they just cut the grass? Overuse of aerosol products. Storing combustibles too close. Children playing with unit.

4 Electric Heaters Are used in areas like garage apartments and trailers used by contractors. If temperature drops low enough they will come on. Used under sinks.

5 Electric Heaters (con’t.) Placed against walls and other combustibles. A heavy load on a bad cord. Used with long extension cords. Drying clothes.

6 Cigarettes You may find signs of carelessness. You will not find the butt that caused the fire. A smoker may smoke 50/day, but, he will know where everyone went… –“Just ask him!”

7 Cigarettes (con’t) If you suspect smoking in bed check underside of the mattress. bed fires grass fires trash fires couches - chairs

8 Cigarettes (con’t) In just 10 minutes smoke will appear. Fire will begin in approx. 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours. It must be insulated. Temperature inside padded furniture maybe °F.

9 Cigarettes (con’t) Annealing of springs used with other signs. Smoldering fire will be deep seated with heavy charring. Do not rule it out -- do not overuse.

10 Exterior & Attic Fires Lightening 50,000°F (act of god) 200,000 amps Sweating pipes. Fireworks Ridding pest Wiring

11 Exterior & Attic Fires (con’t) Birds, Squirrels, Rats Children Playing with fire. Arson Discarding ashes on porch and in outside trash can (signs of smoldering fire)

12 Exterior & Attic Fires (con’t) Thawing pipes Roofers Removing paint with heat

13 Fireplaces Sparks popping logs rolling out combustibles too close flammable liquids too close or misuse construction members too close to fire box

14 Heaters Modern central heat and air units rarely cause a fire. If a gas line caused the fire the occupant may mention there has been an odor of gas early in the investigation.

15 Heaters (con’t) Space heaters –standing too close…trial by fire –usually self correcting Boxes stored too close Drying clothes Toddler placed item on heater

16 Heaters (con’t) Floor Units –Rugs –Boxes –Clothing falling over unit –Hangers found on vents –Debris build up..dust & trash

17 Stove Fires “It come on right by itself” Never mind the knobs, find the pot The occupant was –not home –sleeping –drunk

18 Stove Fires (cont) The occupant was (cont): –drunk and sleeping –on the phone –watching tv –looking at the other fire down the street –just purchased a new cordless phone

19 Stove Fires (cont) “The hood light” caused it. “The gas stove shorted out” –“It Did” “Really”

20 Bed Fires and Bedrooms Find the 4 year old If children in the house question them but do not lead them Fire will begin on side or under the bed

21 Bedroom Fires (cont) A point of origin in the closet is almost always children. They are trying to hide to play with fire

22 Other Causes Electric Blankets have to be folded or rolled up to start a fire Fans a curtain will over heat a fan Extension cords Water bed heaters

23 Other Causes (cont) Cigarettes Incense Candles (for that special moment)