Jacob Carver is a fire inspector with the Sedalia Fire Department. Part of Carver’s job is to go to businesses and schools to help prevent fires.
“We use international fire code to determine what the minimum safety standard is for operating and assembly occupancies, public spaces,” he explained. “We also go into the schools and do fire prevention education so that the kids know what to do if a fire does occur.”
Winter is typically one of SPD’s busier times. An early morning kitchen fire Jan. 24 at South Osage Avenue and 16th Street damaged 50% of the structure. Luckily, the two residents got out safely and fire crews rescued their dog.
Kitchen fires are common, and precautions should be taken when cooking, fire officials say, but more often, misused space heaters and overloaded extension cords are the sources of house fires.
“We, fortunately, haven't had an unreasonably harsh winter with extended periods of time the temperature was below zero,” Carver said. “The Sedalia Fire Department has still run multiple fire calls stemming from improper use of portable heaters. The majority of our calls this winter season have been electrical fires.”
Space heater fires are less common this year, due to warmer weather. But there still was one unfortunate fire.
“There's not always the proper amount of clearance around space heaters,” Carver noted. “We've seen space heaters right next to stacks of books and newspapers. Sometimes people want to get as warm as possible and bring it close to them. This season we’ve seen a couch catch on fire because it was too close to the space heater.”
When using a space heater, users should plug the heater directly into an outlet; do not use an extension cord or surge protector to power these devices. Be mindful to keep at least a three-foot ring of clearance around the heater and keep anything combustible or flammable away. Make sure the space heater is sitting on a non-flammable level surface. Turn it off and unplug the heater when you leave the room, the house, or go to bed.
“In a lot of the electrical fires, the most common cause, not only in Sedalia but around America, is improper use of power cords,” Carver said. “Power cords are temporary power, not meant to be used permanently.”
Using old, damaged, or undersized extension cords is something fire inspectors also warn against. Overloaded surge protectors that draw more power than they are rated for and unapproved multi-plug adapters can also be fire hazards.
“Never run cords under carpet rugs or through windows or doorways,” Carver said. “Remember, extension cords are for temporary power and not meant to be long-term solutions.”
Plug directly into wall outlets or use surge protectors that are plugged directly into an outlet. Never plug multiple surge protectors into one another. They are meant to be powered directly from an outlet, not linked together and powered through extension cords.
Carver noted most electrical fires happen inside the room, not within the walls. Building code makes sure the wiring within walls is up to code.
“Fortunately, through the City, through building code enforcement and then the fire department through code, there's a minimum requirement for safety,” Carver pointed out, “so a lot of it is the aftermarket electrical stuff that's being plugged in.”
