Fire Prevention Plan
Construction sites have significantly elevated fire risk. This plan prevents fires and ensures rapid response if one occurs.
Fire Risk Assessment - Construction Phases
| Phase | Fire Risk Level | Primary Ignition Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | LOW | None (concrete work) |
| Framing | MODERATE | Extension cords, power tools, smoking |
| Electrical | HIGH | Wiring faults, testing circuits, arc flash |
| Plumbing | HIGH | Torch work for soldering |
| Roofing | MODERATE | Torch for modified bitumen (if used), electrical |
| Insulation | LOW | Electrical in walls |
| Drywall | LOW | Extension cords, dust ignition (rare) |
| HVAC | MODERATE | Electrical connections, refrigerant compressor |
| Finishing | HIGH | Oil-based finishes (spontaneous combustion), ventilation fans |
| Occupancy | MODERATE | Electrical systems, compressor, vehicle work |
Fire Prevention Equipment
Fire Extinguishers - Required Locations
Minimum requirement: One 10-lb ABC extinguisher for every 3,000 sq ft.
For garage construction (960 sq ft): Minimum two extinguishers recommended.
Placement strategy:
- Primary extinguisher: Near main entrance/egress
- Secondary extinguisher: Near electrical panel and work area
- Additional during hot work: Within immediate reach of torch/welding
Fire Extinguisher Types:
| Class | Fires It Fights | Use On | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Wood, paper, cloth | Common combustibles | Water or dry chemical |
| B | Flammable liquids | Gas, oil, paint, solvents | Never use water |
| C | Electrical fires | Live wiring, panels, tools | Non-conductive agent |
| D | Metal fires | Magnesium, titanium | Specialty (unlikely in garage) |
| K | Kitchen fires | Grease, cooking oil | Not needed for garage |
ABC Rating: Multi-purpose dry chemical - fights all three common fire types.
For garage construction: ABC-rated extinguishers only.
Size recommendations:
- 5 lb: Minimum size (limited capacity, depletes quickly)
- 10 lb: Recommended for construction (balance of capacity and portability)
- 20 lb: Primary extinguisher near electrical (more capacity, heavy)
Inspection schedule:
- Monthly: Check pressure gauge (needle in green zone)
- Monthly: Inspect for physical damage, corrosion
- Annually: Professional inspection and tag
- After any use: Professional recharge or replacement
How to use - PASS method:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at base of fire (not flames)
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
Limitations:
- Average discharge time: 10-20 seconds
- Effective range: 6-10 feet
- If fire larger than trash can, evacuate and call 911
Smoke Detectors
During construction:
- Install smoke detector as soon as electrical energized
- Temporary battery-powered detector if electrical not yet complete
- Locate per code (typically ceiling, center of space)
After construction:
- Hardwired, interconnected smoke detectors per code
- Battery backup required
- Test monthly
- Replace batteries annually
- Replace entire unit every 10 years
For garage with office/workspace: Consider heat detector instead of smoke detector in garage bay (reduces false alarms from vehicle exhaust, but still protects office area).
Fire Blanket
Optional but valuable:
- Smothers small fires instantly
- Useful for clothing fires
- Doesn’t create mess like extinguisher
- Cheap ($20-40)
Location: Near welding/torch work area.
Ignition Source Control
Electrical Fire Prevention
Extension cords (biggest electrical fire risk on construction sites):
| Hazard | Fire Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Damaged insulation | Arcing, short circuit | Daily inspection, replace if damaged |
| Undersized wire | Overheating, melting insulation | 12 AWG min for 50’, 10 AWG for 100’ |
| Daisy-chaining | Overload, voltage drop | Single cord from outlet to tool |
| Pinched/stapled | Internal wire damage, short | Route carefully, never staple cord |
| Wet/contaminated | Short circuit, shock | GFCI protection, keep dry |
Permanent wiring:
- All electrical work to code
- Proper wire gauge for circuit breaker size (see Phase-Specific Safety doc)
- All junction boxes accessible (not buried in insulation)
- GFCI protection in garage (required by code)
- AFCI protection if required by code (detects arcing faults)
Panel and breaker safety:
- Don’t overload circuits
- Replace breakers that trip frequently (worn breaker = fire risk)
- Keep panel clear of debris
- Panel door closed when not working on it
Tool and equipment:
- Unplug tools when not in use
- Don’t leave battery chargers unattended overnight
- Compressor on dedicated circuit (high amperage draw)
- Space heaters on dedicated circuit, never extension cord
Hot Work (Torch, Welding, Grinding)
“Hot work” = any flame, spark-producing, or heat-generating activity.
Fire watch requirements for hot work:
- Fire extinguisher within immediate reach (not across room)
- Fire watch person (if available) monitors for 30 minutes after work
- Clear area of combustibles within 35-foot radius
- Fire-resistant blankets protect adjacent surfaces
- Sparks can travel 35 feet and ignite hidden combustibles
Torch work (plumbing soldering):
| Task | Fire Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Soldering copper near wood framing | HIGH | Fire-resistant cloth between torch and wood |
| Soldering near electrical wiring | HIGH | Shield wires, turn off power, check afterward |
| Soldering overhead | MODERATE | Sparks fall - clear area below |
| Using propane/MAPP torch | MODERATE | Turn off immediately when done, check tank connections |
Post-torch checklist (critical - fires often start hours later):
- Torch fully extinguished and cooling
- Area checked for smoldering (wood can smolder 2-4 hours)
- Return to site 30 minutes later to verify no smoke/heat
- Return again 2 hours later (before leaving for day)
- Propane tank closed and stored away from heat
Grinding sparks:
- Shower of sparks can ignite sawdust, paper, insulation
- Clear work area of debris first
- Wet down combustibles if can’t remove
- Fire watch during and 30 minutes after
Chemical Fire Hazards
Flammable liquids:
Common on construction site:
- Gasoline (for generator, equipment)
- Paint thinner / mineral spirits
- Oil-based stains and finishes
- Acetone
- Spray paint propellant
- Contact cement
Storage requirements:
- Approved flammable storage cabinet (red, ventilated)
- OR store outside, away from building
- Keep away from ignition sources (electrical panels, heaters, pilot lights)
- Maximum container size: 5 gallons indoors
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
- No smoking within 25 feet
Spill response:
- Small spill: Absorb with kitty litter or spill absorbent, dispose properly
- Large spill: Evacuate, ventilate, call fire department if needed
- Never wash flammable liquid down drain
Spontaneous combustion (critical - often overlooked):
Materials that can spontaneously ignite:
- Rags soaked with oil-based stain or finish
- Rags with linseed oil, tung oil, or Danish oil
- Steel wool with polyurethane
How it happens:
- Oil-soaked rag piled up or in closed container
- Oxidation (oil reacting with oxygen) generates heat
- Heat trapped in pile
- Temperature rises to ignition point (200-300°F)
- Rag bursts into flame (often hours later, overnight)
Prevention (CRITICAL):
- Lay used rags flat outdoors to dry (best method)
- OR submerge in water in sealed metal container
- NEVER leave piled in heap
- NEVER throw in regular trash while wet
- Dispose when fully dried per hazardous waste rules
Many structure fires start this way. Don’t skip this step.
Dust and Debris
Combustible dust:
- Sawdust can ignite from sparks, heat
- Drywall dust less combustible but can fuel fire
- Don’t let sawdust accumulate in piles
- Daily cleanup reduces fuel load
Scrap lumber:
- Stack neatly or remove from site
- Don’t pile near electrical panel or temporary heaters
- If burning on-site: check local burning regulations, obtain permit if required, safe distance from structure
Fire Prevention During Specific Operations
Power Tool Use
- Inspect cord before use (damaged = arcing = fire)
- GFCI protection on all circuits
- Don’t overload circuits (too many tools on one outlet)
- Unplug when not in use (prevents accidental start, electrical fault fire)
- Clean sawdust from tool vents (motor overheating)
Battery Charging
- Charge in ventilated area (hydrogen gas from lead-acid batteries)
- Don’t leave unattended overnight
- Don’t charge on flammable surface
- Unplug when fully charged
Space Heaters (if needed)
- Electric only (no propane/kerosene indoors during construction)
- Dedicated circuit (15A heater on 20A circuit)
- 3-foot clearance from combustibles
- Tip-over shutoff feature
- Unplug when leaving site
- Never leave unattended
Generators
- Outdoor use only (carbon monoxide hazard)
- 20 feet from structure
- Fuel stored separately
- Cool before refueling
- Grounded properly
Emergency Response Plan
Fire Discovery - Immediate Actions
If you discover fire:
-
Assess size immediately
- Smaller than trash can = attempt extinguisher
- Larger than trash can = evacuate and call 911
- ANY doubt = evacuate and call 911
-
If fighting with extinguisher:
- Verify exit behind you (don’t trap yourself)
- Use PASS method
- If extinguisher empties and fire not out = evacuate
- If fire grows despite extinguisher = evacuate
- Never turn back on fire (can flare up)
-
If evacuating:
- Alert anyone else on site
- Exit immediately
- Close doors behind you (slows spread)
- Call 911 from safe location
- Do NOT re-enter for any reason
-
When calling 911:
- “Fire at [address]”
- “Construction site, structure partially complete”
- Describe fire location and size
- “People evacuated” or “[number] people unaccounted for”
- Stay on line if dispatcher asks
Never:
- Fight fire larger than your training/equipment can handle
- Enter smoke-filled structure
- Go back for tools, materials, or belongings
- Fight fire without exit route behind you
Evacuation Plan
Primary egress: [Identify based on construction phase - update as building progresses]
Emergency assembly point: [Specify location away from structure, e.g., “Driveway entrance, by mailbox”]
Head count: If multiple people on site, one person designated to account for everyone.
Communication:
- Cell phones (ensure reception at site)
- Air horn or whistle for alerting (if loud tools running)
Practice: Walk through evacuation route at start of each phase.
Utility Shutoff in Fire Emergency
If safe to do so BEFORE evacuating:
| Utility | Shutoff Location | How to Shut Off |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Main panel, main breaker | Flip main breaker to OFF |
| Gas | Meter, shut-off valve | Quarter-turn with wrench (perpendicular = off) |
| Water | Main valve | Turn clockwise to close |
ONLY if immediately accessible and fire not near utilities.
Fire department may shut off after arrival.
Post-Fire Actions
Even if fire extinguished:
- Call fire department anyway (they inspect for hidden fire spread)
- Don’t disturb scene (investigators may need to determine cause)
- Document with photos
- Contact insurance
- Don’t resume work until cleared by fire department and inspected for structural damage
If electrical fire: Electrician must inspect before re-energizing.
If structural damage: Engineer inspection before continuing construction.
Fire Prevention Checklists
Daily Checks (During Active Construction)
- Fire extinguishers in place, gauge in green
- Extension cords inspected for damage
- Work area clear of sawdust/debris accumulation
- Flammable liquids properly stored
- No combustibles near electrical panel or heaters
- Exit paths clear
- Smoke detector functional (if installed)
End of Day
- All tools unplugged
- Space heater off and unplugged (if used)
- Battery chargers unplugged
- Torch propane tank closed and stored
- Oily rags laid flat outside or in water-filled metal can
- Flammable liquid containers sealed
- Site checked for smoldering (if any torch/hot work done)
- Electrical panel closed
- Final walk-through for hazards
Before Hot Work (Torch, Welding, Grinding)
- Fire extinguisher within arm’s reach
- Combustibles cleared 35-foot radius or shielded
- Fire-resistant cloth/blanket protecting adjacent surfaces
- Fire watch assigned (if available) or set timer for 30-min check
- Smoke detector temporarily disabled or removed (if very close - prevents false alarm during work, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER)
After Hot Work
- Torch fully extinguished
- Area checked for smoldering
- 30-minute fire watch or return in 30 minutes
- 2-hour check before leaving site for day
- Smoke detector restored (if disabled)
Weekly Inspections
- Fire extinguisher pressure check
- Extension cord detailed inspection
- Flammable storage area organized and compliant
- Smoke detector test (if installed)
- Emergency egress clear and accessible
Firefighting Equipment Quick Reference
ABC Fire Extinguisher
Effective on:
- Class A: Wood, paper, plastic, cloth
- Class B: Gasoline, paint, solvents
- Class C: Electrical fires
NOT effective on:
- Metal fires (need Class D)
- Large/spreading fires (call 911)
How to use - PASS:
- Pull pin
- Aim at base of fire (not flames)
- Squeeze handle
- Sweep side to side
Range: 6-10 feet Discharge time: 10-20 seconds When to stop: Fire out, extinguisher empty, or fire grows
Fire Blanket
Use for:
- Small surface fires (grease, clothing, electrical)
- Smothering technique (cuts off oxygen)
How to use:
- Pull tabs to release from pouch
- Hold blanket up as shield
- Lay blanket over fire
- Leave in place until cool
NOT for:
- Large fires (blanket too small)
- Three-dimensional fires (can’t smother)
Water (Last Resort)
Effective on: Class A fires only (wood, paper)
NEVER use water on:
- Electrical fires (shock hazard)
- Flammable liquid fires (spreads fire)
- Grease fires (violent reaction, spreading)
On construction site: Fire extinguisher preferred over water in nearly all cases.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
Builder’s Risk Insurance
- Covers structure during construction
- Fire coverage typically included
- May require fire extinguishers on site
- Document safety equipment with photos
- Report fires even if extinguished (may affect coverage)
Liability
- Fire that spreads to neighboring structures
- Worker injuries in fire
- Firefighter injuries responding to construction fire
Fire prevention is cheaper than any of these scenarios.
Fire Cause Tracking (If Incident Occurs)
If fire occurs, document for investigation:
- Date and time discovered
- Who discovered
- Location of origin (if known)
- Size when discovered
- Actions taken (extinguisher, evacuation, 911)
- Equipment in use at time
- Recent activities (hot work, tool use, charging)
- Weather conditions
- Outcome (extinguished, fire dept response, damage)
Purpose: Prevention of recurrence, insurance claim, legal protection.
Special Considerations for Garage Post-Construction
After occupancy, garage fire risks:
Vehicle maintenance work:
- Gasoline, oil, and flammable fluids
- Welding/grinding on vehicles
- Battery charging
- Hot exhaust systems
Workshop operations:
- Power tools
- Flammable finishes
- Chemical storage
- Compressed air system
HVAC equipment:
- Mini-split condenser (electrical)
- Compressor (electrical, heat generation)
Continue fire prevention practices:
- Keep ABC extinguisher accessible (near exit)
- No smoking in garage
- Proper storage of flammables
- Regular electrical inspection
- Smoke/heat detector functional
Specific to garage:
- Don’t run vehicles in closed garage (CO poisoning AND fire risk from hot exhaust)
- Keep area around water heater/HVAC clear (if applicable)
- Inspect electrical outlets for scorching (overloaded circuit)
Summary - Fire Prevention Priorities
Top 5 fire prevention actions:
- Fire extinguishers accessible and inspected - Primary defense
- Extension cord inspection - #1 electrical fire cause on construction sites
- Hot work fire watch - Fires often start hours after torch work
- Oily rag disposal - Spontaneous combustion is real and common
- Daily cleanup - Reduces fuel load
Zero tolerance:
- Damaged extension cords in use
- Hot work without fire extinguisher within reach
- Oily rags piled or in closed container
- Smoking near flammables
- Unattended battery chargers or heaters
Remember: Most construction fires are preventable. The practices in this document are proven and simple. The cost of implementing them is near zero. The cost of not implementing them can be catastrophic.
Next: Review 04 - Damage Prevention Guide for protecting property and materials during construction.