House Fires in Michigan Attributed to Remote Working
The holiday season combined with the influx of people working from home has contributed to a large increase in residential fires in Michigan.
The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society urges people to take precautions to prevent residential fires amid a 78% rise in multi fatality fires, according to the Detroit Free Press.
It is reported that 112 people died in residential fires in Michigan this year. The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society points to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the dramatic increase in fires. Because more people are working from home, they are plugging in more electronics, which “strains” the electrical systems and increases the likelihood of fire.
“COVID-19 has kept a lot of people confined and numerous electrical devices are being plugged in everywhere,” said Kyle Svoboda, district chief of Plainfield Fire Department. “When you add on various holiday decorations and lighting, problems can occur. Electrical safety needs to be a top priority to help prevent electrical incidents and house fires.”
The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society recommends that people inspect the electrical cords in their homes for frayed or town wires, use extension cords carefully and replace any damaged electrical equipment.