Gas Fire Causes: What Causes Gas Fires and How to Prevent Them

Gas fire and safety is one of the most important segments of all the fire and safety courses. Gas fires are deadly. Every year thousands of people lose their lives because of gas fire accidents. To effectively prevent these fire accidents from happening, it is important to know what causes them. In this blog, we will discuss what causes gas fires along with some tips to prevent them. Keep reading to learn more.

Also, if you want, you can check out electrical fire safety and causes here.

Main Causes of Gas Fires

Gas fires can be caused by a number of reasons. Following are the most common reasons behind fires caused by gas:

1. Damaged Containers & Pipelines

Gas containers and pipelines hold both gas and liquid fuels that release combustible fumes. Over time, these containers and pipelines wear out and get damaged. They get corroded and punctured which results in gas leaks.

2. Ignition

Even a small spark can ignite a massive gas fire. For example, a cooking gas stove uses a spark from the lighter to ignite the gas. If a room is full of gas, this spark can set the whole space ablaze. Moreover, smoking is another cause of ignition. But overall, it all starts with the leakage of gas, which mostly happens due to ignorance.

3. Confinement

Gases are compressible in nature. The damage caused by gas leak fire depends entirely on the area where gas is confined and also the quantity of gas that is left in the gas tank. In open areas, gas can spread out and get diluted. However, in a closed space, like a room with no ventilation, the pressure can build up and damage the entire structure. This is the reason why it is advised to open the doors, and windows immediately after sensing the gas leak.

Gas Fire Safety Tips

We have discussed the main causes of gas fires, now let’s discuss some useful tips to avoid them:

• Install natural gas detectors in both residential as well as commercial areas.
• Gas detectors should be installed at a place from where the alarm can be heard by the people living there.
• Monitor and maintain the gas detectors at regular intervals. Make sure they have working batteries. Alternatively, you can also hire professionals to do so.
• To avoid the chances of gas fires, keep the combustible materials away from furnaces, water heaters, and other gas appliances.

In its natural form, gas is odorless and colorless. But the gas companies add a warning smell to the gas so that people can detect it by this scent. In this regard, your nose is the best gas detection equipment. You should rely on it and whenever you smell anything pungent like a rotten egg, it’s time to take action.

So, this was all about gas fire causes and safety. We hope it helps. And if you’re planning to pursue a career in fire and safety, then check out the best fire & safety institute in Sangli.