Fire Safety and Prevention

The first step to keeping your family safe from home fires Preventing fires in your home

Each year many precious lives are lost in home fires. About half of those who die in home fires are 65 years or older. Let’s learn about the leading causes of home fires and how to prevent them in order to protect precious lives and property from fires.

1 Home fires caused by heating equipment

Characteristics of heating equipment fires

Home heating equipment fires are often caused by combustible items coming in contactwith heaters.

Key Points

• Do not place any inflammable items near the heater.
  Use flame-resistant clothing and bedding.
• Always turn off the heater before you go to bed.
• Do not dry clothes by hanging them above or near the heater.
• Refuel after turning off the heater.

2 Fires caused by smoking

Characteristics of fires caused by smoking

Cigarette butts can smolder for hours before catching fire.

Key Points

• Douse cigarette butts in water before disposal.
• Do not leave a lot of cigarette butts in the ashtray.
• Never smoke in bed.

3 Electrical fires caused by faulty wiring, etc.

Characteristics of fires caused by faulty wiring/outlets

Fires are often caused by electrical sparks or heat coming from faulty electrical equipment or systems.

Key Points

• Clean outlets and plugs periodically.
• Do not place objects on electrical cords.
• Do not pull the cord to unplug it.
• Do not plug several cords into one outlet or through an octopus connection.

4 Fires caused by cooking stoves

Characteristics of cooking stove fires

When cooking oil reaches about 350°C, it can catch fire by itself due to a phenomenon called spontaneous combustion.

Key Points

• Turn off the stove if you have to leave the kitchen even for a short time.
• Keep the area around the stove free from items that could easily catch fire.
• Read and follow the safety instructions for the stove.
• Wear flame-resistant clothes while cooking.

Inquiries regarding this site

Fire Prevention Section, Fire Prevention Division, Fire Prevention Department, Fire Services Bureau
Tel：082-546-3476/Fax：082-249-1160
E-mail：fs-yobo@city.hiroshima.lg.jp