Recent apartment fires highlight growing risks for multi-family housing. In January 2024, two disturbing incidents occurred—one in Calgary and another in Austin.
In Calgary, a suspicious blaze engulfed two large apartment buildings under construction and spread to a third, with a fourth sustaining partial damage. This disturbing event exposes the vulnerabilities of multi-family structures, especially during transitional phases. Similarly, in Austin, a vacant two-story apartment building caught fire, likely started accidentally by individuals seeking warmth inside. This scenario underscores occupancy risks—when unmonitored buildings become ad hoc shelters lacking safety measures.
These incidents reveal the array of fire risks facing apartment communities—speedy spread, multi-family impact, and major property loss. Additionally, construction sites and unoccupied buildings present unique dangers from fewer regulations and potential unauthorized entry. But unfinished or unoccupied multifamily residences aren’t the only ones facing these risks, among others. Watch the video below to see how proactive security measures helped intervene in what could have become a devastating scenario at an occupied Georgia apartment community.
At approximately 11:24 pm, Stealth security professionals monitoring a Georgia multifamily property observed a fire had begun to burn in an onsite dumpster, and immediately contacted local authorities to respond. Firefighters arrived onsite quickly as the blaze escalated, but safely put out the fire and left the area without further incident. Stealth staff also contacted onsite management to make them aware of the situation as it occurred.
Boost Safety and Security at Your Multifamily Community with Live Video Monitoring
While Stealth’s primary focus is typically to help deter and disperse criminals and trespassers, our alert staff of trained monitoring operators are also skilled in spotting other types of suspicious or unusual activity, and in the case above, their training allowed them to help get emergency personnel onsite promptly to respond to what could have escalated into a truly disastrous situation.
Ensuring the safety and security of residents is a cornerstone of success for any multifamily residential property. A secure environment is not only a key factor for residents when selecting a home, but it also plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal rental rates, reducing vacancies, and lowering liability risks.
Consider the grave consequences of a fire in a multifamily community: the loss of life and property is not only heartbreaking but also financially devastating. In such critical situations, being prepared can make all the difference. This was exemplified in the example above- where a property benefited significantly from having partnered with Stealth for live video monitoring security solutions.
Our live video monitoring is an active, not reactive, approach to security. Utilizing advanced video analytics and the vigilance of trained security professionals, we monitor various areas of your property simultaneously. Our focus is on identifying suspicious or unauthorized activities, going beyond mere motion detection. Additionally, our ability to provide law enforcement with real-time information often results in faster response times, minimizing potential damage or harm.
Discover more about how ECAM’s proactive and cost-efficient security solutions can help protect your community. Contact us today for comprehensive details and elevate the sense of safety in your property.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
