How Security Guards Respond To Trash Can Fires

In our last blog, we discussed seasonal safety and security issues that residential buildings experience in stairwells during autumn and winter months. Another safety concern property owners and businesses should keep in mind during colder seasons is trash can fires. In this blog, we’ll discuss how security guards save lives by responding to trash can fire hazards.

Where Are Trash Can Fires Likely To Occur?

Trash can fires are most likely to occur in isolated, poorly monitored areas. These include parking garages, stairwells, alleyways, and near the loading docks of warehouses and distribution centres. The common feature of these areas is that they are places where people may be out of sight, making vigilance and monitoring important. In particular, buildings with high pedestrian traffic or areas with loitering activity are especially at risk of trash can fires.

Dangers of Trash Can Fires

Trash can fires pose serious risks to both people and property. Fire can quickly spread to nearby flammable materials such as paper, chemicals, or even the building structure itself, creating life-threatening situations. In enclosed areas like stairwells or underground parking lots, smoke can lead to respiratory hazards and property damage. If not addressed promptly, a small trash can fire can escalate into an emergency that threatens residents, employees, and customers, causing damages and disrupting business operations.

How Security Guards Respond

When a trash can fire is detected, security guards react swiftly and efficiently. The first step is to assess the situation and determine the severity of the fire. If the fire is small and contained, the security guard will use the nearest fire extinguisher. If the fire is spreading or poses a risk of spreading, the guard will dial 911 and evacuate the immediate area to ensure the safety of all individuals on-site. During these emergency scenarios, security guards will relay updates to building management and emergency responders until the situation is resolved.

Security guards also keep a record of the incident, documenting what happened, the time and location, and any witnesses or suspicious individuals nearby. Reporting is crucial for informing future preventative measures and for ensuing investigations. At Blackbird Security, our guards use the industry-standard reporting software TrackTik to make real-time reports accessible to our team and clients.

Preventative Security Measures

Prevention is just as critical as a response when it comes to trash can fires. Security guards conduct regular patrols of high-risk areas, checking for improperly disposed of items and ensuring that trash cans aren’t overflowing. They may also relocate or secure trash cans, bins, and dumpsters with locks to prevent improper access. Regularly checking the validity of a building’s fire extinguishers is also key to maintaining a safe environment.

Additionally, effective lighting and signage reminding building occupants not to dispose of flammable items improperly can discourage trash can fires. The presence of uniformed security guards also serves as a visual deterrent to those considering starting a fire.

Security guards are trained to engage with individuals who may be loitering near high-risk areas, using verbal techniques to prevent issues before they arise. Blackbird Security guards receive in-house training through Blackbird Academy in areas including advanced communication and peaceful de-escalation, which are essential skills when managing the type of high-tension encounter that may result from a trash can fire. Additionally, they receive Crisis Intervention Training from our partnered training institution, Crisis Prevention Institute.

How Blackbird Security Guards Save Lives

At Blackbird Security, we always appreciate the importance of comprehensive emergency training, especially when it comes to life-threatening situations like fires. Our commitment to preparing our guards for such events is paramount, as demonstrated by the real-life stories of our team members who have gone above and beyond to save lives.

Gursimran Singh, one of our Regional Managers, was recognized as a lifesaver after his quick and decisive response to a fire incident at a retail store, which would have endangered the lives of staff and guests if Gursimran hadn’t acted. From the press release recognizing Gursimran’s lifesaving actions: “Thanks to his security experience, training, and rapid response, Security Guard Singh was able to prevent a potentially catastrophic event.” Gursimran’s actions ensured the safety of many and showcased the importance of training in handling emergency situations.

Another inspiring example is Gulab Singh, who saved the lives of many patrons after he bravely responded to a fire at Samesun Hostel in Vancouver, demonstrating the impact of proper emergency preparedness. Watch his story here.

These stories highlight our guards' dedication to safety and the crucial role of thorough training in saving lives. By receiving a foundation of fire safety knowledge, our security guards are able to make decisive choices under pressure that save lives in emergencies.

Partner With Blackbird Security

Fire safety is a matter of critical importance, especially during winter months. At Blackbird Security, our team of highly trained security professionals is equipped with the knowledge and experience to prevent, identify, and respond to fire hazards, including trash can fires. Whether by protecting condominiums, retail businesses, corporate offices, or construction sites, our guards keep our clients, their employees, and their visitors safe.

Get in touch with us through the form below to learn how our security solutions can protect your property from seasonal risks.

Find out more about condo security in our Definitive Guide to Condominium Security.