What are the causes of fire on board ships?

Answer 1

The causes of fire on a ship aren't a lot different than the causes of fires in any urban setting. There are electrical circuits. An electrical fire is possible. There is a lot of machinery. Machinery gets hot when it's operating. An overheating bearing could cause a fire. Ships have combustion systems for generating steam, or internal combustion engines to generate electricity, or even turbine engines like jet aircraft, all of which get very hot and can cause a fire. The closed machinery spaces and the volatility of fuel, of lubricants or of hydraulic fluids around the hot machinery can lead to a fire, or even an explosion. A collision at sea could initiate a fire. The ship's company has to eat, so there's a galley where food is prepared and cooking is done. There'd be the same fire hazards as in a restaurant kitchen, wouldn't there? Repairs are sometimes undertaken on ships, and metal cutting and welding equipment is carried and used to fix stuff. There are some more possible ways fires could be started. Static electricity can start a fire, and ships like oil tankers are specially grounded prior to loading or unloading to prevent this possibility. And military vessels face fire or explosion hazards associated with carrying munitions. Grain dust around grain elevators is a hazard. It's explosive. Ships carry grain in huge holds. Dust is generated when it is moved. Is someone carelessly smoking nearby? Just about anything that can cause a fire around your city or town can start one on a ship. Be smart, stay safe.

Answer 2

Pretty much just about anything aboard a ship can cause a fire:

1. Machinery

2. Paper

3. Fuels

4. Ammunition / Explosives / Weapons (e.g., aircraft ordnance)

5. Hydraulic Fluid

6. High Voltage Electrical Panels

7. Electronics Systems

8. Sailors not paying attention.

The most common fire types are Electrical and Electronic fires.