In 2018, there were 1,126 structural fires. According to the Costa Rican Fire Department, the highest incidence of these incidents occurred in homes, followed by shops and industries.
These incidents left 506 victims and 30 dead due to the fire. This represents a record figure in more than a decade.
Luis Salas, Operational Director of the Fire Department, explains that there is a logical relationship in the result of these figures: unlike citizens, the industry is prepared to meet accidents that put their business at risk.
The first case was recorded on January 4th, in Barrio Juan Pablo Segundo, Limón, where a 73-year-old citizen died when a fire consumed their house, while the last victim died as a result of a fire that occurred in the Vargas Araya sector, San José, on December 31st.
The number of fatalities more than doubled the number of people (14) who died in 2017 for this same cause.
According to data from the Fire Prevention and Research Unit of the Fire Department, the main cause of these events were failures in the electrical system. Therefore, the authorities advise to perform an annual periodic review by a certified electrician to ensure that the electrical systems of the residence work optimally.
In addition, Salas emphasizes that welding works must be done exclusively by a professional in the field.
Another important recommendation is to keep children under constant supervision and not leave matches, lighters or any other dangerous material within their reach.
In addition, it is essential to check that no electronic device is turned on. Nearly 8% of last year’s fires occurred because of the failure in these devices.