The total cost of structural fires in the United States in 2014 was $328.5 billion, according to a new report written by University at Buffalo engineers and issued by the National Fire Protection Association.
Of that total, $273.1 billion, or 83%, of the cost was attributed to outfitting new buildings with fire prevention systems, operating fire departments, fire insurance, and other expenditures. The cost associated with lossesāsuch as deaths, injuries, and destruction of propertyāwas $55.4 billion.
The report examined only structural fires involving residential, commercial and industrial buildings. It did not factor in wildfires, vehicle fires, and other outdoor fires.
Other findings include:
ā The total cost of structural fires in the U.S. has increased by 50% from 1980 to 2014, from $218.5 billion to $328.5 billion (both in 2014 dollars).
ā The total cost of structural fire in the U.S. as a percentage of the nationās gross domestic product has dropped from 7.6% in 1980 to 1.9% in 2014, a 75% decrease.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2017
Extensive list of plug load efficiency utility incentives available for free download
The Dept. of Energy resource is a state-by-state compilation with hundreds of listings.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2017
Chicago commits to 100% renewable power for all city buildings
In doing so, it becomes largest U.S. city to make such a pledge.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2017
Concerns over increased construction costs following Trump executive orders
āBuy Americanā requirement and revised H-1B visa restrictions could raise prices on supplies, labor.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2017
āStaggering delays, exorbitant costsā in New York City library, cultural building construction
Study finds significant problems with how city manages capital projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2017
California lawmakers have had little success in attracting sports stadiums
Only one of several attempts has had an impact in recent years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2017
Dept. of Energy releases updated versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools
The updated versions includeĀ full support for variable speed DX coils, enhanced plant auto-sizing, new fan model, and support for non-rectangular windows.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2017
K-12 school daylighting initiative created to promote best practices
Eneref Institute creates networking group of school administrators for ideas to overcome market obstacles.
Codes and Standards | Apr 17, 2017
OSHA delays enforcing crystalline silica standard in construction industry
Enforcement will beginĀ Sept. 23,Ā three months laterĀ than planned.Ā
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2017
Former OSHA official publishes safety citations on his own
Under Trump orders, agency had stopped issuing āshamingā press releases on major fines and safety violations.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2017
Trump infrastructure task force suggests arbitration to speed projects
Permitting process could be reduced from 10 years to 2 years under the proposal.
