Do you know the most common cause of fires by industry?
Fire hazards are evident everywhere, but did you know that different industries have different challenges when it comes to fire hazards? Knowing the most common causes of fires by industry can help you take action to prevent them. Here are the leading causes of fire for certain industries.
Construction, Food & Drink, and Healthcare
There may not be a clear connection between the construction, food & drink, and healthcare industries, but when it comes to fire hazards, these industries experience similar challenges. Across recent years, the NFPA found that the leading cause of fire for these industries was cooking equipment. Additionally, the table below shows the estimated average annual losses due to fire for each industry.
| Industry | Leading Cause | Number of Fires | Civilian Deaths | Civilian Injuries | Property Damage |
| Construction | Cooking Equipment | 4300 | 5 | 62 | $376,000,000 |
| Food & Drink | Cooking Equipment | 7410 | 3 | 110 | $165,000,000 |
| Healthcare | Cooking Equipment | 5750 | 2 | 157 | $50,400,000,000 |
Some tips to prevent or mitigate the impact of cooking equipment related fires are:
- Stay alert and available while using the stove, oven or any appliances.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, use a timer to remind you to check it regularly.
- Keep combustible items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.
- Make sure to have functioning fire safety systems, like fire sprinkler systems and on hand in case a fire breaks out.
Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, and Retail
Similarly, the Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, and Retail industries may not seem similar, however, their fire hazards present similar challenges. Across recent years, the NFPA found that the leading cause of fire for these industries was electrical distribution and lighting equipment. Additionally, the table below shows the estimated average annual losses due to fire for each industry.
| Industry | Leading Cause | Number of Fires | Civilian Deaths | Civilian Injuries | Property Damage |
| Manufacturing | Electrical Distribution and Lighting Equipment | 37910 | 16 | 273 | $1,200,000,000 |
| Oil & Gas | Electrical Distribution and Lighting Equipment | 4150 | 3 | 43 | $30,000,000 |
| Retail | Electrical Distribution and Lighting Equipment | 13570 | 12 | 299 | $604,000,000 |
Some tips to prevent or lighten the impact of electrical distribution and lighting equipment fires are:
- Keep all electrical equipment clean and the area tidy.
- Make sure to have the proper fire safety equipment installed such as fire sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.
- Stick to routine maintenance of electrical equipment and fire safety systems.
- Limit the use of extension cords, as these are meant for temporary usage only.
Regardless of the industry, every business or property experiences fire hazards. To learn more about fire protection for your industry, give us a call at (844)-MYUSAFP or request a free quote here.