By Heather Michon
Correspondent
Despite two major house fires in the Lake Monticello area in recent weeks, Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire and Rescue (LMVF&R) Chief Richard Constantino says the department is on track for an average number of structure fires.
His records indicate that the department handles an average of 32 fires yearly. To date, in 2024, they’ve seen 23.
Constantino, a veteran fire investigator with over 40 years of experience, investigates most of the major structure fires in Fluvanna County – and sees some trends.
According to government statistics, 44.7 percent of house fires stem from cooking, and the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that 44 percent of residential fires start in the kitchen.
Constantino has investigated fires caused by unattended stoves, attempts to extinguish grease fires with water, a barbeque grill placed too close to the house, and combustibles stored too close to the stove.
Some fires have originated outside the home, caused by sparks from welding equipment or storing fireplace ashes in an improper container near the structure.
Electrical fires are another common problem. He had attributed some fires to faulty wiring and HVAC system failures, while others stemmed from overloading power strips and electrical circuits.
The increased use of rechargeable devices with lithium-ion batteries has become a growing source for concern among firefighters. Overcharging, overheating, exposure to water, damage to the battery casing, and manufacturing defects can cause the battery to ignite.
Constantino has investigated fires caused by using aftermarket charging units, not using the correct charger for the device, or failure of the power pack. One was caused by “overcharging a Hoverboard.”
Some simple steps to prevent house fires include:
IN THE KITCHEN: don’t leave stovetops and grills unattended and know how to safely extinguish common kitchen fires;
IN THE HOUSEHOLD: don’t overload electrical sockets or power strips, keep flammables away from heat sources, keep space heaters away from combustible materials, and always remember that matches and lighters are tools, not toys;
RECHARGABLE DEVICES: use manufacturer’s cords and power adapters rather than aftermarket devices, make sure your lithium-ion batteries carry the Underwriters Labrotory’s ‘UL’ marking, and don’t place batteries in direct sunlight or store near anything flammable. Avoid charging your phone on your bed or couch.
Asked for his top three tips, Constantino said every household should:
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operational. Any device 10 years or older should be replaced. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year. A good way to remember? When you change the clock, change the batteries.
Plan and practice escape routes from your home with all family members.
Use common sense, especially when it comes to cooking and use of electrical devices.
Constantino and the LMVF&R regularly work with Lake Monticello to circulate reminders and safety tips and frequently post information on their Facebook site. He also recommends the National Fire Prevention Association website as a good resource for households looking to further reduce fire safety risks.
