Can Fire Damage Spread Quickly Through Rental Homes?

Your first priority is safety. Alert all other occupants, get everyone out immediately, and call 911 from a safe location. Do not re-enter the building for any reason until firefighters declare it safe. If you are a tenant, notify your landlord or property manager as soon as possible after the emergency responders have been contacted.

Document the damage from a safe distance outside, if you can do so without risk. Take photos or videos of visible damage to the exterior and your unit's interior if accessible. This visual record can be important later. Keep a list of damaged personal items for your own records and for any discussions with your renters insurance provider.

• Do not attempt to fight a significant fire yourself.
• Follow all instructions from fire department officials on scene.
• Account for all roommates, family members, and pets.
• If you are displaced, seek temporary shelter with family, friends, or a hotel.
• Avoid using any electrical appliances in the unit until checked by an electrician.
• Keep receipts for any emergency expenses like lodging or clothing.

After a fire, local water damage and restoration pros are typically brought in to secure the property and begin cleanup. Their initial focus is on emergency services like board-up, water extraction, and drying to prevent the compounding damage from moisture. They assess the full scope of damage from fire, smoke, and water to create a plan for returning the property to a pre-loss condition.

Tenants can take proactive steps to slow a fire's spread. Always keep hallways, stairwells, and exits clear of clutter and storage. Ensure all smoke alarms are working by testing them monthly and reporting any malfunctions to your landlord immediately. Know the location of all fire extinguishers in the building and learn how to use them on small, contained fires like a stovetop flare-up.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month.
• Never prop open fire doors or interfere with their automatic closing mechanisms.
• Store flammable liquids like gasoline or paint thinner outside the living unit.
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room.
• Ensure your unit number is clearly visible from the street for emergency responders.
• Report any maintenance issues like faulty wiring to your landlord right away.