Condo Fires & Fire Safety

We’ve been posting stories about fires in condominiums for a number of years now. The main reason why we pay so much attention to condo fires, as opposed to home fires in HOA’s, is that a fire that starts in a condo unit, usually takes out many more units before it’s put out. As a result, CAN is very in favor of association’s being pro-active in fire prevention.

Condominium Fires

Firefighters rescue person from balcony of burning condo building in downtown Edmonton (AB) April 25, 2024
Fire crews rescued a person from a balcony of a burning apartment building in downtown Edmonton on Thursday afternoon. A person on the balcony could be seen screaming for help before fire crews were able to rescue the person using a ladder truck. Read the article…………………………….
Two people hospitalized after 2-alarm blaze at Brookfield condo complex (CT) April 25, 2024
The fire appeared to have consumed a large number of units in at least one of the buildings. “There are numerous agencies working in the area. Please use caution,” the post said.
Two-Alarm Fire at Condo Complex in Long Beach (CA) April 20, 2024
A two-alarm fire was hard to access for Long Beach Fire. The residents started evacuating, taking the provided hose lines off the wall, and fighting the fire until the fire department arrived. Read the article…………………………….
Elderly man dies in condo fire on Jacksonville’s Southside (FL) April 19, 2024
An elderly man died Friday morning in a fire at a condo complex on Jacksonville’s Southside, firefighters said. The fire broke out shortly before 4 a.m. at the Lakecrest Condominiums on Belle Rive Boulevard, just east of Southside Boulevard. Read the article…………………………….
Microwave starts fire at condominium building in Harford County (MD) April 18, 2024
A microwave started a fire at a condominium building in Harford County, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal. A neighbor of the occupant heard a smoke alarm and later discovered the occupant inside her apartment with heavy smoke, fire officials said. Another neighbor assisted her out of the apartment. Read the article…………………………….
Fire in Chester condo complex destroys several units (NY) April 17, 2024
A fire in Chester Tuesday destroyed several units inside a condominium complex. Chester Fire Department Chief Thomas Marchiano says the flames broke out in the afternoon at the Whispering Hills condominium complex inside a garage and spread to the apartments above. Read the article…………………………….
Fire in Chester condo complex destroys several units (CT) April 16, 2024
A fire in Chester Tuesday destroyed several units inside a condominium complex. Chester Fire Department Chief Thomas Marchiano says the flames broke out in the afternoon at the Whispering Hills condominium complex inside a garage and spread to the apartments above. Read the article…………………………….
No injuries after 2-alarm condo blaze in Maple Leaf Square area (ON) April 16, 2024
Toronto firefighters and police officers said the blaze was believed to have started at about 12:23 p.m. on a balcony at the residential building near the York St.-Bremner Blvd. area and Maple Leaf Square. Read the article…………………………….
No injuries after blaze at downtown condo (ON) April 15, 2024
According to officials, the fire spread to a second balcony, and shattered glass was spotted falling to the ground below. The situation was quickly brought under control and the flames were extinguished Read the article…………………………….
Man hospitalized after condo fire, others displaced in Genoa Township (MI) April 15, 2024
According to O’Brian, when firefighters arrived, they found “a heavily involved garage fire, and it was spreading up into the attic. The fire spread to three units in the six-unit building and the other units were damaged by smoke. Read the article…………………………….

Fire Prevention & Safety

Storing e-bikes, e-scooters in your condo? A handful of B.C. strata councils say no March 21, 2024
Faced with growing concerns about e-bike and e-scooter battery fires, a small but growing number of strata councils in the province are banning them from buildings. “The number of strata corporations, … probably 15 or 20, have in the last year taken the position, ‘We’re not going to permit them at all,’” said Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. Read the article…………………………….
New law means an HOA can’t stop you from hardening your home against wildfires (CO) March 15, 2024
A new state law voids homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using building materials that are more resistant to wildfires. Gov. Jared Polis signed the legislation this week. In a statement, he said the new law should help homeowners safeguard their homes and save money on insurance. Read the article…………………………….
Green Valley HOAs get Firewise ball rolling (AZ) March 9, 2024
Three communities in Green Valley have become designated Firewise USA sites, and are encouraging homeowners associations to do the same to help protect Green Valley from wildfires. The Firewise USA award is given to communities that have put in a lot of time, effort and planning to educate homeowners in wildfire safety and mitigate the impact of wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
Some Colorado HOAs ban using fire-resistant building materials. This proposed law could overrule that February 22, 2024
A Colorado Senate committee on Tuesday advanced legislation that would block homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using fire-resistant building materials, a change that firefighters and insurance experts say would give communities more options to harden properties against climate-fueled wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
Lawmakers advance bill that would void HOA rules that block wildfire-hardening (CO) February 21, 2024
A Colorado Senate committee on Tuesday advanced legislation that would block homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using fire-resistant building materials, a change that firefighters and insurance experts say would give communities more options to harden properties against climate-fueled wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
Many Colorado HOAs have rules that make homes more vulnerable to wildfires. New legislation could block those. February 2, 2024
Colorado lawmakers on Friday advanced new legislation that would make it easier to build or upgrade homes to harden them against wildfires. The legislation would void language in existing homeowners’ association bylaws, deed restrictions or property contracts that prevent residents from installing or using fire-resistant building materials. It would also prohibit new restrictions.Read the article…………………………….
How To’s & Quick Tips Fire Sprinkler System Cost Factors and Considerations: Why It’s Worth It December 21, 2023
A residential fire sprinkler system is well documented to save lives and protect property. Fire sprinkler system cost typically falls between $0.80 and $7 per square foot with a national average of $2 per square foot. Read the article……………………………….
Holiday Safety Tips for Your Home or Condo December 15, 2023
The holiday season is almost upon us! You’re likely making plans on how to spend time with your friends and family. Candles, Christmas trees, and holiday lighting are traditionally a part of festive winter celebrations no matter where you live, but as you enjoy the festive time, extra precautions should be taken in order to prevent holiday accidents. Here are some quick holiday safety tips you can use this upcoming holiday season. Read the article……………………………..
Fireplace Safety Tips to Keep in Mind This Winter December 8, 2023
An indoor wood-burning fireplace offers warmth and relaxation that can bring tranquility to your home, and with winter right around the corner, you will likely be enjoying fires frequently on the cold nights that are to come. However, that cozy, crackling fireplace can also cause a host of problems if you do not take the proper precautions. In fact, heating equipment such as indoor fireplaces are among the leading causes of house fires. Read the article………………………………
Canyon Lake POA completes sale of fire station to City of Canyon Lake (CA) December 8, 2023
In a historic move, today marks the culmination of 11 months of negotiations as the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association completes the sale of the fire station to the City of Canyon Lake. Escrow is expected to close today, December 8. Read the article……………………………