An office fire can be devastating - resulting in business interruption or permanent closure, loss of lives, jobs, property and information. Offices are loaded with combustible contents - carpeting, draperies, papers, books, wood and upholstered furniture, plastic laminate, vinyl-fabric-covered furniture, wood panelling and plastic office equipment - as well as electrically powered toasters or microwave ovens, kettles, computers and other appliances. Combine these with the human element and the stage is set for a potentially devastating fire.

• Keep the combustible load - carpeting, upholstered furniture - to a minimum.
• Keep exits clear of combustibles e.g. wastepaper, empty cartons that could fuel a fire.
• Make the office a non-smoking area or smoking only in designated safe areas. Where smoking is permitted, provide safe ashtrays and ensure proper disposal of smoking materials.
• Provide adequate clearance, circulation of air between combustible material and hot surfaces or heat sources such as copy machines, word processors and computers.
• Unplug electrical appliances - coffee makers, space heaters and hot plates - when not in use.
• Restrict and monitor use of heaters and hot plates. 
• To ensure they meet code requirements, all electrical distribution systems should be checked by a professional/certified electrician.
• Perform regularly scheduled and recorded maintenance of electrical equipment.
• Prevent access to the office by unauthorized personnel and keep flammables properly stored and secured.
• Provide adequate security (exterior/interior lighting, intrusion alarms, guard service, well-secured access openings.)
• Provide automatic sprinkler protection and/or heat, smoke and fire alarm systems. Adequate sprinkler coverage is the key to providing the most effective fire protection in buildings.
• Strategically locate the portable fire extinguishers suitable for the particular fire hazard and train key employees on proper operation.
• Establish an Emergency Team and train each member on how to respond to fire emergencies.
• Develop a fire emergency evacuation plan and conduct at least two fire drills per year in order to familiarize office personnel to respond to fire emergencies.
• Obtain assistance from your local fire department on fire prevention, use of fire extinguishers, inspections and emergency response procedures.