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 losses—such as deaths, injuries, and destruction of property—was $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:
— 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).
— The total cost of structural fire in the U.S. as a percentage of the nation’s gross domestic product has dropped from 7.6% in 1980 to 1.9% in 2014, a 75% decrease.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2020
Concrete Institute and Post-Tensioning Institutes expand partnership
Will collaborate on new structural post-tensioned concrete code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2020
SpeedCore demonstrates excellent fire resistance without additional fire-protective coatings
New York City approves metal-concrete product for all five boroughs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2020
Designing, redeveloping communities for zero energy needed to address climate change
District heating and cooling systems boost efficiency.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2020
Virginia is the first state to adopt COVID-19 worker safety rules
Include social distancing requirements, notifications when co-worker tests positive, timelines to return to work after recovery.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2020
Report aids local governments on policy options, pathways to electrify new buildings
Document focuses on switching appliances and equipment away from natural gas, propane.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2020
Institute for Market Transformation acquires Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition
Goal is to achieve net-zero construction by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
