NFPA Research • pg.

1
Key findings Fires in structures under construction
Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 4,300 fires in From 2016 to 2020, local fire departments responded to an estimated
structures under construction per year in 2016 through 2020. These fires average of 4,300 fires in structures under construction per year. These fires
caused an average of five civilian deaths, 62 civilian injuries, and caused an average of five civilian deaths, 62 civilian injuries, and
$376 million in direct property damage annually. $376 million in direct property damage annually. Only 1 percent of all
reported structure fires were in structures under construction.
Structures under construction
While large fires typically make the news, many of the fires in structures
• The estimated number of fires in structures under construction has under construction were much smaller. As shown in the report with
increased since 2014 after declining between 2008 and 2010. supporting tables, approximately one-half of these fires were confined fires.
• Three of every four fires in structures under construction involved The presence of workers at construction sites who can detect and extinguish
residential properties. fires before they have an opportunity to spread may explain why many of
• Cooking equipment is the leading cause of fires on construction sites; these fires were relatively small.
these fires tend to be minor.
Residential properties accounted for three-quarters (76 percent) of the
• Fires that were intentionally set caused one in 10 fires, but nearly one-
fires in structures under construction, as well as the largest shares of
half (47 percent) of direct property damage.
deaths, injuries, and direct property damage (see Table A).
• Fires in structures under construction were highest in January and lowest
in September. Another 6 percent of fires involved mercantile or business properties.
• Fires in structures under construction were most common in the This was followed by fires in outside or special properties which
afternoon and evening; fires that occurred between midnight and accounted for 5 percent of fires, but caused 13 percent of the direct
6 a.m. accounted for more than half of direct property damage. property damage.
• The leading factors contributing to the ignition of fires in structures Table A. Fires in Structures under Construction by Property Use
under construction included heat sources that were too close to 2016–2020 Annual Averages
combustible materials, abandoned or discarded materials or products, and Direct
Civilian Property
electrical failures or malfunctions.
Property Use Fires Injuries Damage
Residential 76% 77% 77%
Mercantile or business 6% 5% 3%
Outside or special property 5% 3% 13%
Storage 4% 2% 1%
Assembly 3% 3% 3%
Health care, detention, correction 2% 7% 2%
Educational 2% 1% 0%

NFPA Research • pg. 1

Recent trends in fires in structures under construction Figure 2. Fires in Structures under Construction by Leading Cause
2016–2020 Annual Averages.
Figure 1 shows the estimated number of fires in structures under construction
19%
from 2008 through 2020. As indicated, the trend line shows an increase in Cooking equipment 3%
these fires over this period, particularly in the years since 2015, after declining
Electrical distribution and lighting 15%
between 2008 and 2010.
equipment 46%
Figure 1. Fires in Structures under Construction, 2008–2020. Fires
14%
Heating equipment
5,000 7% Direct property
4,630 4,750 damage
4,500 4,220 11%
4,290 Intentional 47%
4,000 3,830 3,970 3,740 4,040
3,610 3,750 3,740
4%
3,500 3,630 Smoking materials
3,510 3%
3,000
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
2,500

2,000
Under Construction, Virginia
1,500
Month: February – Time: 9:40 a.m. – Dollar Loss: $16,794,490
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Leading causes of fire in structures under construction
Some of the causes of fires in properties under construction are consistent
with all structure fires. Figure 2 shows that cooking equipment is the
leading cause of fires on construction sites. These cooking fires are usually
minor, but they accounted for three in 10 (27 percent) injuries. Electrical
distribution and lighting equipment accounted for 16 percent of fires, but
nearly half (46 percent) of the direct property damage. Another 14 percent
of fires were caused by heating equipment. Fires that were intentionally set
caused one in 10 (11 percent) fires, but 47 percent of direct property
damage. Smoking materials accounted for another 4 percent of fires and
3 percent of direct property damage.
Property Characteristics and Operating Status: This was a five-story, 40,000-square-
foot (3,716-square-meter), multi-property building containing both retail and 400
residential units. It was still under construction and was about 50 percent completed.
There were workers on-site at the time of the fire.
Fire Protection Systems: There was no automatic detection system or automatic
suppression equipment present.
Fire Development: The fire broke out in a clogged rubbish chute between the second and
third floors when improperly discarded smoking materials were tossed in and ignited the
combustibles in the chute.
Contributing Factors and Other Details: This fire was well involved on arrival of the
first firefighters. During the fire, strong winds caused embers to ignite exposed
properties, including single-family homes, townhouses, vehicles, and construction
equipment. Damage to the structure was estimated to be at $12.8 million. There was an
estimated $4 million in damage to the building’s contents. Two firefighters were injured.
Source: Stephen G. Badger, Large-Loss Fires and Explosions in the United States in 2020 (Quincy, MA:
NFPA Fire Analysis and Research, 2021.)

NFPA Research • pg. 2

Timing of fires in structures under construction
Figure 3 shows that fires in structures under construction were highest in
January and lowest in September and October, possibly reflecting the use
of heating devices for warmth or for heating food in colder weather. Fires
in the remaining months accounted for either 8 percent or 9 percent of the
annual average. It is important at construction sites—where combustible
and flammable materials are present—that equipment be used for its
intended purpose. It is also important for temporary heaters to be selected
and used with fire safety in mind. Care is needed to ensure that temporary
heaters are listed and properly set up per manufacturer instructions. It is
important that the areas around temporary heaters be kept clear of
combustible materials.
The peak periods for fires in structures under construction were the hours
between noon and 9 p.m. and between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Figure 4).
Although approximately one-fifth (18 percent) of fires occurred between
midnight and 6 a.m., these fires accounted for more than one-half
(53 percent) of direct property damage. Fires may spread more easily
before they are detected during overnight hours when workers are less
likely to be at the construction site.
Figure 4. Fires in Structures under Construction by Time of Day
2016–2020 Annual Averages.
40% 38%
35%

Figure 3. Fires in Structures under Construction by Month 30%

2016–2020 Annual Averages. 26%
25%
12%
11% 20% 17%
18%
17%
15% 15% 15% 15%
10%
9% 15% 13%
9% 9% 12%
8% 8% 8% 10% 10%
8% 8% 9% 9% 9% 9%
8% 10% 8%
8% 7% 7% 6% 7% 7%
6%
6% 5% 3%
6%
0%
Midnight– 3 –6 a.m. 6 –9 a.m. 9 a.m.– Noon– 3–6 p.m. 6 –9 p.m. 9 p.m.–
3 a.m. Noon 3 p.m. midnight
4%
Fires Civilian injuries Direct property damage

2%

0%
Jan Feb March April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec

NFPA Research • pg. 3

Leading items first ignited in structure fires under Equipment involved in ignition
construction Fires in structures under construction most often involved cooking
Cooking materials were the item most often first ignited in structures under equipment, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, and heating
construction. However, approximately one-third of the fires involved the equipment. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment accounted for a
ignition of structural elements, including structural member or framing disproportionately large share of direct property damage. Cooking equipment
(10 percent); unclassified structural components (6 percent); exterior wall and heating equipment each accounted for the largest shares of injuries
coverings or finishes (6 percent); insulation within structural areas (see Table B).
(5 percent); and exterior roof coverings or finishes (5 percent), as indicated Temporary electrical wiring or lighting can emit heat or sparks if not
in Figure 5. properly installed or maintained and should be regularly reviewed by
Waste materials were first ignited in 7 percent of fires, but these fires qualified personnel to ensure safety. Fires involving torches, burners, or
accounted for 15 percent of direct property damage. The ignition of soldering irons were involved in seven percent of fires, but these fires
flammable or combustible liquids or gases, piping, or filters accounted for accounted for 17 percent of direct property damage. Hot work activities pose
5 percent of fires, resulting in 17 percent of injuries. a variety of combustion hazards and should be carried out under a stringent
permitting system. For more information on hot work safety, see
nfpa.org/Training-and-Events/By-topic/Hot-Work.
Figure 5. Leading Items First Ignited in Structure Fires under
Construction, 2016–2020 Annual Averages.
Table B. Fires in Structures under Construction,
12% by Equipment Involved in Ignition, 2016–2020 Annual Averages
Cooking materials 15%
0%
Structural member or 10%
framing
4%
26% Direct
7%
Civilian Property
Rubbish, trash, or waste 1% Equipment Involved Fires Injuries Damage
15%
Unclassified structural Fires
3%
6% Cooking equipment 19% 27% 3%
component/finish 7% Electrical distribution and lighting
6% Civilian equipment 15% 15% 46%
Exterior wall covering/finish 0%
9% injuries
Flammable/combustible 5% Wiring and related equipment 10% 12% 11%
17%
liquids, gases* 3% Heating equipment 14% 27% 7%
Insulation within structural 5%
Fixed or portable space heater 6% 20% 5%
6%
area 2%
5% Torch, burner, or soldering iron 7% 9% 17%
Exterior roof covering/finish 0%
5%
Electrical wire, cable 5%
1%
insulation 3%
0% 10% 20% 30%

*Flammable or combustible liquid or gas, piping or filter.

NFPA Research • pg. 4

Factor contributing to ignition
The leading factors contributing to the ignition of fires in structures under
construction included heat sources being too close to combustible materials,
abandoned or discarded materials or products, and electrical failures or
malfunctions, as shown in Figure 6. Other factors contributing to
construction fires included cutting or welding too close to combustible
materials, unclassified misuse of materials or products, mechanical failures
or malfunctions, and unattended equipment. Good worksite practices should
include regular maintenance for the equipment. Fire safety procedures for the
use of powered equipment and combustible materials should be established.
Heat source
The leading heat sources for fires in structures under construction involved
either heat or sparks, embers, or flame from operating equipment; altogether,
this accounted for nearly two of five fires, followed by arcing (Figure 7).
Arcing acted as the heat source in approximately one in 10 fires (11 percent),
while an unclassified heat source provided the heat source in seven percent of
fires but accounted for one-quarter (2 percent) of fires. Unclassified hot or
smoldering objects also accounted for 7 percent of fires, followed by hot
embers or ash, spontaneous combustion or chemical reaction, and smoking
materials.

Figure 6. Fires in Structures under Construction Figure 7. Fires in Structures under Construction by Heat Source
by Factors Contributing to Ignition, 2016–2020 Annual Averages. 2016–2020 Annual Averages.
Heat source too close to 16% Unclassified heat from powered 13%
13% 9%
combustibles equip.
9% 5%
15% Radiated/conducted heat from 12%
Abandoned/discarded material, 28%
2% operating equip.
product 5% 21%
12%
15% Spark, ember, flame from
14%
Electrical failure/malfunction 12% operating equip. 8%
12% Fires
11%
Cutting/welding too close to 7% Arcing 7%
3% 9%
combustibles 4% Civilian injuries 7%
Unclassified misuse of 8% Unclassified heat source 8%
5% 24%
material/product 2% Direct property
damage Unclassified hot/smoldering 7%
5% 1% Fires
object 3%
Mechanical failure/malfunction 15%
2%
6%
Hot ember or ash 1%
5% 2% Civilian injuries
Equipment unattended 22%
1% Spontaneous 5%
1%
combustion/chemical reaction 4%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Direct property
4% damage
Smoking materials 1%
3%

0% 10% 20% 30%

NFPA Research • pg. 5

Area of origin
There was no single dominant area of origin for fires in structures under
construction. The leading area of origin for fires was a kitchen or cooking
area, which accounted for 6 percent of fires.
Fires that originated in an attic or ceiling/roof assembly or concealed space,
bedroom, exterior wall surface, and exterior roof surface each accounted for
a 4 percent share of fires.
Fires that originated in a common room, wall assembly or concealed space,
garage, unclassified structural area, or construction or renovation area each
accounted for 3 percent shares of the total.
One quarter of civilian injuries resulted from fires that originated in a kitchen
or cooking area. Fourteen percent of civilian injuries resulted from fires that
originated in a bedroom. See Table 11 in the report with supporting tables for
details.
Discussion
On average, firefighters responded to nearly 12 fires in structures under
construction each day between 2016 and 2020. Fires at such construction
sites are a longstanding problem, but their major causes are generally
well-established—a good indication that they can be prevented through
greater attention to fire hazards.
The most common causes of construction and renovation fires in the most
recent five-year period, as well as historically, involve electrical distribution
and lighting equipment, heating equipment, cooking equipment, a torch,
burner, or soldering iron, or an intentional cause. For each of these causes,
there are safety protocols that can be utilized to reduce the risk of fire.
The safety protocols can include the following:
• Ensure that the temporary electrical service lighting follows the
installation requirements set forth in the National Electrical Code®;
electrical equipment is maintained and regularly inspected; use of
extension wiring is kept to a minimum; and machinery and equipment do
not overload available circuits.
• Prohibit the use of temporary cooking equipment (such as hot plates or
grills) or the use of improvised heating devices for warming food at the
construction site.
• Ensure that unauthorized temporary heaters are restricted from the
worksite; heaters permitted on the worksite are placed at safe distances
from combustible and flammable materials; heaters are used in
conformity with their listing and manufacturer instructions; and heaters
are regularly checked to ensure that they are being safely operated and do
not constitute a hazard (such as being overturned).
• Require a permit system for hot work activities and enforce a thirty-
minute (or longer) cool-down interval after torches, burners, or soldering
irons have been used.
• Reduce the risk of arson by safeguarding construction sites with fencing
or other controls; these controls can include lighting or after-hours
security personnel, as needed.
• Have an approved fire prevention program (also known as a fire safety
plan) for the construction site.
• Ensure there is a fire prevention program manager to administer the fire
safety plan to completion.
Guidance for preventing fires at structures under construction or undergoing
renovation is available in NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding
Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations.
Acknowledgements
The National Fire Protection Association thanks all the fire departments and state
fire authorities who participate in the National Fire Incident Reporting System
(NFIRS) and the annual NFPA Fire Experience Survey. These firefighters are the
original sources of the detailed data that makes this analysis possible. Their
contributions allow us to estimate the size of the fire problem.
We are also grateful to the US Fire Administration for its work in developing,
coordinating, and maintaining the NFIRS.
To learn more about research at NFPA, visit nfpa.org/research.
Email: research@nfpa.org.
NFPA No. Index#2772 - 2022
NFPA Research • pg. 6
Additional resources
To learn more about NFPA resources regarding fire safety in construction for
your organization, please visit nfpa.org/ConstructionFireSafety or email
grouptraining@nfpa.org.

Training resources include:

• Fire Prevention Program Manager Online Training Series

• Construction Site Fire Safety Fundamentals Online Training
• NFPA 241, Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition
Operations Online Training Series
• NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®
Online Training Series
• Hot Work Safety Training Certificate (also available in Spanish)

NFPA Research • pg. 7