Fires on construction sites are an ongoing risk that can result in significant property loss, injury, and disruption to local communities. The Risk Reduction Review is committed to highlighting the importance of fire safety during construction to minimize these risks. In this installment of our series, we will look at recent fire incidents on construction sites, examine key fire prevention strategies, and emphasize the ongoing need for awareness to protect lives and property.
Recent Fire Incidents at Construction Sites
2 Injured as Stadium Under Construction at RIT Catches Fire
Location: Henrietta, New York, USA
Summary: A fire broke out on the roof of the under-construction Tiger Stadium at the Rochester Institute of Technology campus on November 13, 2024. Two contractor employees were injured, and the fire, which caused explosions, was contained within 20 minutes by the Henrietta Fire District. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The fire did not disrupt campus operations, and no damage details were disclosed.
Link to original article: 13wham.com News Article
8 Fires in a Week 'Intentionally Started' at Yishun Executive Condo North Gaia's Construction Site
Location: Yishun, Singapore
Summary: Between November 20 and 27, 2024, eight fires were intentionally started at the North Gaia executive condominium construction site in Yishun. The fires, which primarily involved construction materials and furniture, were quickly extinguished by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or construction workers. Two individuals were hospitalized for smoke inhalation in one incident. The police are investigating the cases, and no further injuries were reported. North Gaia, developed by Sing Holdings, is expected to be completed by June 2027.
Link to original article: Channel News Asia Article
Arson Arrests Made Following Fire at Construction Site in Manhattan
Location: Manhattan, Kansas, USA
Summary: On November 9, 2024, a fire at a warehouse under construction in Manhattan led to the arrest of two 15-year-old juveniles for arson. They were caught after being seen fleeing the scene. One juvenile admitted to igniting cardboard boxes using a spray can and lighter, while the other filmed the act. Both face charges including arson, burglary, and contributing to the misconduct of a minor. A third juvenile was involved but was released to a guardian. The quick response of witnesses and the Manhattan Fire Department helped contain the incident.
Link to original article: KCLY Radio Article
Elevator Construction May Have Started Rubbish Fire in L.A. Building
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Summary: On November 20, 2024, a fire broke out in the basement of a 12-story office building undergoing renovations on South Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. Sparks from elevator construction in the shaft likely ignited garbage in the basement. The fire, which caused smoke to spread through the building, was controlled by more than 80 firefighters within 33 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the building was unoccupied at the time. The lack of a functional HVAC system hindered smoke ventilation efforts.
Link to original article: Elevator World Article
Fire at Rainbow Hardware Building in Northwest Dallas
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
Summary: On November 21, 2024, a fire erupted at the Rainbow Hardware building on Harry Hines Boulevard due to flammable adhesive used during roofing work being ignited by an unknown heat source. The fire, exacerbated by high winds, caused heavy smoke but was confined to the roof. Workers attempted to suppress the flames with extinguishers before the fire spread. Dallas Fire-Rescue crews extinguished the blaze within 30 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the fire was deemed accidental.
Link to original article: WFAA Article
Fire Crews Battle Massive Saanich Blaze Amid High Winds
Location: Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
Summary: Early on November 20, 2024, a significant fire engulfed a five-story building under construction on Quadra Street in Saanich. High winds spread embers, necessitating the evacuation of nearby residents, who were relocated to Saanich Commonwealth. Fire crews, supported by Victoria fire teams, contained the blaze to the building of origin, sparing surrounding structures. Significant damage to the power grid was reported, and Quadra Street was temporarily closed. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article: Saanich News Article
Fire Damages Home Under Construction in SE Portland
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Summary: A late-night fire on November 24, 2024, damaged a home under construction at Southeast 88th Avenue and Southeast Insley Street in Portland. Portland Fire & Rescue crews quickly controlled the blaze within 10 minutes of their arrival. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Link to original article: KPTV Article
Fire Damages Sioux Falls Commercial Building
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
Summary: Early on November 16, 2024, a fire caused significant damage to a commercial building on West Hovland Drive in Sioux Falls. The fire, which heavily involved a large shop section, presented challenges to firefighters due to the building's size, construction, and contents. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
Link to original article: KELOLAND Article
Fire Destroys Holyrood Housing Project
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Summary: A large fire broke out early on November 7, 2024, at a housing project under construction at 92 Avenue and 81 Street in Edmonton. The fire was brought under control by 1:30 a.m. but was not fully extinguished for several hours. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is investigating the cause, along with local police. No injuries were reported, and the structure suffered extensive damage.
Link to original article: CTV News Article
Fire Tears Through Home Construction Site on Edmonton's South Side
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Summary: On November 2, 2024, a fire engulfed a single-family home under construction on 77 Avenue near 79 Street in Edmonton. The blaze, which required a second alarm, damaged two neighboring homes and garages. Forty firefighters brought the fire under control by 7:46 a.m. and fully extinguished it by the afternoon. Investigators are probing the cause, though there are no current indications of arson. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article: Edmonton Journal Article
Fires at Apache Junction Homes Under Construction Spur Arson Probe
Location: Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
Summary: On November 21, 2024, two homes under construction near Tepee Street and Idaho Road in Apache Junction were damaged by fires suspected to be arson. The incident, described as isolated, caused no injuries. Police and fire departments, including support from nearby agencies, are investigating the fires. No arrests have been reported.
Link to original article: Arizona Republic Article
'Heavy Fire' Erupts at New Haven Home Under Construction
Location: New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Summary: A fire broke out at a home under construction on Castle Street in New Haven on November 11, 2024. Firefighters responded to the scene shortly after 10:20 p.m. and controlled the heavy fire, which had spread to both floors of the home, within 40 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the house was unoccupied. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Link to original article: New Haven Register Article
House Under Construction Destroyed After Early Morning Fire in Hollywood, No Injuries Reported
Location: Hollywood, Maryland, USA
Summary: Early on November 2, 2024, a fire destroyed a one-story house under construction near Clarkes Landing Road and John Cameron Way in Hollywood. Firefighters from multiple departments extinguished the blaze within 45 minutes and remained on the scene for over two hours. No injuries were reported, and the Maryland Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.
Link to original article: Southern Maryland News Net Article
Mumbai: Fire Near Phoenix Mall Prompts Evacuation Amid Heavy Smoke
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Summary: On November 21, 2024, a fire at a construction site near Phoenix Mall led to the evacuation of shoppers and staff due to heavy smoke infiltrating the mall. Mall management temporarily closed shops as firefighters worked to monitor and extinguish the fire. No injuries or significant damages within the mall were reported, and authorities are continuing to assess the situation.
Link to original article: CNBC TV18 Article
No One Hurt Following Structure Fire in Onalaska
Location: Onalaska, Wisconsin, USA
Summary: In the early hours of November 26, 2024, a fire fully engulfed a new home under construction on Emerald Valley Drive in Onalaska. Firefighters worked for over two hours to extinguish the blaze. The home, deemed a total loss, was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.
Link to original article: WEAU Article
Rye NH Fire Leaves 3 Injured, Home Destroyed
Location: Rye, New Hampshire, USA
Summary: Early on November 12, 2024, a fire consumed a house under construction on Ocean Boulevard in Rye. Strong winds caused the fire to spread to an occupied neighboring home. Firefighters rescued three residents, who were treated and released from the hospital. The neighboring home was declared uninhabitable. Firefighters monitored the scene due to a nearby underground propane tank. No firefighter injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Link to original article: NBC Boston Article
Officials Offer Reward for Info on South Shore Arsonist
Location: Kingston, Massachusetts, USA
Summary: On November 17, 2024, a suspicious fire destroyed a two-story commercial building under construction on Wapping Road in Kingston. High winds spread embers, causing brush fires in the vicinity. Firefighters contained the blaze within three hours but returned later that day to extinguish additional brush fires. The building collapsed due to severe damage. A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest, and the investigation is ongoing.
Link to original article: Patriot Ledger Article
These incidents highlight the variety of causes of construction fires, ranging from arson to accidental ignition during construction work. They serve as a reminder that construction sites must remain aware to ensure fire safety throughout the project lifecycle.
Effective Fire Prevention Strategies for Construction Sites
To prevent construction site fires, several effective measures can be implemented:
Adhere to NFPA 241 Guidelines: NFPA 241, the Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, outlines specific measures to prevent or minimize fire risks during construction. From proper storage of combustible materials to regular inspections, NFPA 241 provides a comprehensive approach to fire safety (National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], 2022).
Training and Awareness: Workers should receive regular training in fire prevention, the correct use of fire safety equipment, and emergency response procedures. Daily safety toolbox talks are beneficial for reinforcing the importance of fire safety (CFSC Fire Safety Manual, n.d.).
Site Security: Construction sites are often vulnerable to trespassing, theft, and vandalism, all of which can lead to fires. Proper site security, including fencing, surveillance, and controlled access, is crucial to reducing the risk of arson and accidental fires (Construction Safety Fact Sheet, n.d.).
Hot Work Permits and Controls: Hot work, such as welding and cutting, is one of the leading causes of construction fires. Implementing a hot work permit program helps ensure proper safety precautions are in place, including having fire extinguishers readily available and conducting a fire watch after the work is complete (CFSC Fire Safety Manual, n.d.).
Proper Use and Storage of Combustible Materials: Construction sites often have combustible materials and ignition sources in close proximity. Effective housekeeping practices and storing combustible materials away from potential heat sources can significantly reduce the risk of fire (Construction Safety Fact Sheet, n.d.).
Construction Fire Safety by the Numbers
According to the NFPA, between 2016 and 2020, there were approximately 4,300 fires per year at construction sites, resulting in five civilian deaths and $376 million in direct property loss annually (NFPA, 2022). Many of these fires were preventable, as they were caused by cooking equipment, electrical distribution, and heating equipment (Construction Safety Fact Sheet, n.d.). The implementation of best practices like those outlined in NFPA 241 can dramatically decrease these incidents.
Building a Culture of Safety
Fire safety is a shared responsibility on construction sites. Builders, contractors, and fire safety professionals must work together to implement comprehensive fire prevention strategies and follow established safety guidelines such as NFPA 241. As demonstrated by recent fire incidents, taking a proactive approach to fire safety can prevent injuries, property loss, and long-term impacts on the community. It is only through constant awareness, training, and following the best practices that construction sites can become safer for everyone involved.
For more information on construction fire safety or to access additional resources, visit NFPA 241.
References
CFSC Fire Safety Manual. (n.d.). Fire safety manual for construction sites. American Wood Council.
Construction Safety Fact Sheet. (n.d.). Construction site fire safety fact sheet. National Fire Protection Association.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). (2022). NFPA 241: Standard for safeguarding construction, alteration, and demolition operations. National Fire Protection Association.
National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Construction site fire safety. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/constructionfires
National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). NFPA 241: Standard for safeguarding construction, alteration, and demolition operations. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/detail?code=241
13wham.com. (2024, November 13). 2 injured as stadium under construction at RIT catches fire. Retrieved from https://13wham.com/news/local/2-injured-as-stadium-under-construction-at-rit-catches-fire-soccer-lacrosse-field-rochester-institute-of-technology-henrietta
Channel News Asia. (2024, November 27). 8 fires in a week 'intentionally started' at Yishun executive condo North Gaia's construction site: SCDF. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/8-fires-intentionally-started-executive-condo-site-yishun-north-gaia-4774056
KCLY Radio. (2024, November 12). Arson arrests made following fire at construction site in Manhattan. Retrieved from https://kclyradio.com/crime/arson-arrests-made-following-fire-at-construction-site-in-manhattan/
Elevator World. (2024, November 22). Elevator construction may have started rubbish fire in L.A. building. Retrieved from https://elevatorworld.com/news/daily-news/elevator-construction-may-have-started-rubbish-fire-in-l-a-building/
Snyder, R. (2024, November 21). Fire at Rainbow Hardware building in northwest Dallas. WFAA. Retrieved from https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county/fire-at-building-northwest-dallas-leaves-heavy-smoke/287-2fcbb218-f85b-45eb-a6b2-f45e57d7d67e
van Reeuwyk, C. (2024, November 20). Fire crews battle massive Saanich blaze amid high winds. Saanich News. Retrieved from https://www.saanichnews.com/local-news/fire-crews-battle-massive-saanich-blaze-amid-high-winds-7657793
KPTV. (2024, November 25). Fire damages home under construction in SE Portland. Retrieved from https://www.kptv.com/2024/11/25/fire-damages-home-under-construction-se-portland
Groten, P. (2024, November 16). Fire damages Sioux Falls commercial building. KELOLAND. Retrieved from https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/fire-damages-sioux-falls-commercial-building
Antoneshyn, A. (2024, November 7). Fire destroys Holyrood housing project. CTV News Edmonton. Retrieved from https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/holyrood-housing-project-goes-up-in-flames-1.7101605
Edmonton Journal. (2024, November 3). Fire tears through home construction site on Edmonton's south side. Retrieved from https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/fire-home-construction-south-edmonton
Rose, O. (2024, November 22). Fires at Apache Junction homes under construction spur arson probe. Arizona Republic. Retrieved from https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/pinal/2024/11/22/fires-at-apache-junction-homes-under-construction-spur-arson-probe/76490812007/
Yankowski, P. (2024, November 12). 'Heavy fire' erupts at New Haven home under construction: Official. New Haven Register. Retrieved from https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/new-haven-house-fire-castle-street-19909041.php
Southern Maryland News Net. (2024, November 2). House under construction destroyed after early morning fire in Hollywood, no injuries reported. Retrieved from https://smnewsnet.com/archives/540245/house-under-construction-destroyed-after-early-morning-fire-in-hollywood-no-injuries-reported/
Pant, A. (2024, November 21). Mumbai: Fire near Phoenix Mall prompts evacuation amid heavy smoke. CNBC TV18. Retrieved from https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/mumbai-fire-near-phoenix-mall-prompts-evacuation-amid-heavy-smoke-19512671.htm
Nitz, S. (2024, November 26). No one hurt following structure fire in Onalaska. WEAU. Retrieved from https://www.weau.com/2024/11/26/no-one-hurt-following-structure-fire-onalaska/
Fortier, M. (2024, November 12). Rye NH fire leaves 3 injured, home destroyed. NBC Boston. Retrieved from https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/3-people-rescued-as-fire-burns-through-nh-building-under-construction-neighboring-home/3543563/
Smith, D. R. (2024, November 25). Officials are offering a reward for info on South Shore arsonist. The Patriot Ledger. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/news/officials-offering-reward-south-shore-151442860.html