Old buildings are at higher risks of fire

The Notre Dame Cathedral fire is undergoing a complex investigation. However, many are speculating that it was caused by construction during its renovation process. In Pocatello, many buildings are more than 100 years old and are also undergoing renovations.

It’s been more than four years since the massive fire at the Monarch building. To this day, the cause of that fire is still unknown. However, it’s older buildings like the Monarch that pose higher risks.

Like the Monarch, many buildings in the Old Town are more than 100 years old. They were built prior to the 1950s building and fire codes. Many of them have been renovated since then and are now up to code but it is the electrical systems and appliances that pose a major threat.

“If you have older buildings, you have older electrical, just like you would in an older home; you want to be cautious of the electrical,” said Kim Stouse, fire prevention specialist for the Pocatello Fire Department. “As the system gets older and they age, we need to make sure they are being maintained because if you don’t, you have a risk for fire.”

The Pocatello Fire Department is urging building owners to be aware of old wiring and monitor it consistently.