Why are buildings under construction or renovation particularly vulnerable to fire loss?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

According to NFPA Research, there is an average of 4,300 construction fires every year. This is just for the years 2016 through 2020 and has resulted in $375 million in property damage annually through those years. Even more concerning, there were 5 deaths and 62 civilian injuries as a result of these losses. nfpa.org

According to the NFPA, construction and renovation can create hazardous activities in and around a building. There is cutting, welding, and other hot work activity going on, often in enclosed spaces. Heat-producing machinery such as generators and various gasoline and electric powered equipment is in use. Another source of ignition has been found to be portable and improvised cooking equipment used by workers on these jobs.

With these sources of ignition, the next element in the equation is combustible fuel. There can be various discarded wrappings, tapes, rags, saw dust, and other building materials in the immediate vicinity of sources of ignition.

Buildings under construction or renovation often do not have the same fire protection resources available that will be in place upon completion. Automatic sprinkler systems and first aid fire protection like fire extinguishers are possibly not available or functional. Other protection features such as smoke detectors and fire alarms may not yet be installed.

Finally, the construction site may not be secured, with possible trespassing introducing threat of vandalism and intentionally set fires. nfpa.org

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes and other code sources. It does not represent these code’s official position on the items discussed.

Properly secured construction site