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 battling another two alarm fire at Rosslyn condo building (VA) May 7, 2024
For the second day in a row, there’s a fire in a large Rosslyn condominium building. After a vehicle fire in the parking garage of the Atrium Condominium at 1530 Key Blvd on Monday morning, there’s now a reported electrical fire in the garage area. A second alarm has been called in to help extinguish the fire and ventilate smoke from the building. Read the article…………………………….
1 dead, another injured in condo fire near UNLV (NV) May 7, 2024
One person died and a second person was injured in a fire early Monday on the fifth floor of a luxury condominium building near UNLV in south-central Las Vegas. Read the article…………………………….
Family jumps from second-story in St. Peters condo fire (FL) May 7, 2024
Two adults and two children were transported to the hospital with smoke-inhalation injuries, according to the fire chief. “They jumped from the second (floor) to the first. And then there was a little bit of space between the ground and that balcony. There was a neighbor that was assisting the family to get their little ones over the railing and down to the ground,” Schneider said. Read the article…………………………….
Warren fire investigators working to determine cause of fatal fire (MI) May 5, 2024
Warren fire officials say a man killed in a Saturday afternoon fire at his Bear Creek condominium likely suffered a medical emergency and did not die from smoke inhalation. “We are still investigating the scene to determine a cause of the fire and we won’t be able to confirm what killed the victim until we see the autopsy results,” said Warren Fire Commissioner Wilbert “Skip” McAdams. Read the article…………………………….
Fire engulfs condo unit in Shell Point Wednesday (FL) May 2, 2024
A Shell Point condo unit caught fire late Wednesday morning, according to the Wakulla County Fire Rescue. Once firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire, according to the fire rescue. Read the article…………………………….
Brookfield condo fire displaces 10 families (CT) May 2, 2024
A fire broke out in a condominium complex on Boxwood Drive early Thursday morning, leading to the evacuation of several residents and displacement of 10 families Read the article…………………………….
Hillsborough crews put out large fire at Brandon condo complex (FL) April 29, 2024
Crews were met with heavy fire on the roof of one building that was spreading through the attic to other attached condo units. After the third alarm was issued, firefighters set up aerial operations to battle the blaze from above and had the fire under control in less than an hour. Read the article…………………………….
Crews battle overnight condo fire on Evansville’s west side (IN) April 27, 2024
The Perry Township Fire Department says firefighters arrived and found flames showing from the multi-family building, which is nearby the Mission Viejo apartment complex on Evansville’s west side. According to officials, the fire was upgraded to a 2nd alarm and then later to a 3rd alarm fire. Read the article…………………………….
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.

Fire Prevention & Safety

Homeowners fund their own fire prevention efforts using an aggressive team of goats in a volatile canyon (CA) May 6, 2024
Homeowners in the Eucalyptus Hill Improvement Association (EHIA) have brought in a herd of goats to begin reducing the fire dangers in a canyon that could be explosive in a wildland fire. The EHIA said its 700 members want to get ahead of the wildfire dangers this year as they have before, in this very rugged area. If humans were in there, they would have to contend with poison oak and steep hills to remove the weeds and brush. Read ...
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………………………………