Fire safety during construction is a important component of community risk reduction. Construction sites, with their absence of complete fire protection systems and the presence of numerous ignition sources, are particularly vulnerable to fires. Fires not only put workers and first responders at risk but can also cause millions of dollars in damages, affecting both the construction project and the surrounding community. This blog, part of a series on construction site fire safety, highlights recent fire incidents and emphasizes the importance of fire prevention strategies in reducing risks.
Construction Fire Incident Summaries
"Fires at Two More Homes Under Construction in Bond Head"
Location: Bond Head, Ontario, Canada
Summary: On October 13, 2024, two unoccupied homes under construction on Rowe Street caught fire. Bradford Fire and Emergency Services responded to extinguish the flames, and no injuries were reported. The fires were deemed suspicious, part of a series of similar fires in the area this year, which are under investigation.
Link to original article: Innisfil News Article
"Construction Worker Hurt in Fire at Calvary Church in South Charlotte"
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Summary: On October 15, 2024, a construction worker sustained serious injuries during a fire that broke out in the lower boiler room of Calvary Church, which also houses a school and childcare center. Approximately 30 firefighters brought the fire under control within 15 minutes, with no other injuries reported.
Link to original article: WSOC TV Article
"Fire at Construction Site Deemed Arson"
Location: Levittown, Pennsylvania, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in a construction office trailer on October 3, 2024, at a redevelopment site in Levittown. The fire was deemed an act of arson, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Link to original article: LevittownNow Article
"Fire Destroys Fruitridge Pocket House Under Construction"
Location: Fruitridge Pocket, Sacramento, California, USA
Summary: A two-story house under construction was fully engulfed in flames on October 5, 2024. The fire caused damage to neighboring properties, and the cause remains under investigation.
Link to original article: KCRA Article
"Fire Destroys Portsmouth Mansion Under Construction, Damages Nearby Homes"
Location: Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA
Summary: A fire at a 9,000-square-foot mansion under construction on October 16, 2024, caused the building to collapse and spread moderate damage to nearby homes. Multiple fire departments were involved in bringing the fire under control.
Link to original article: Newport Buzz Article
"Five Injured in West Valley City After Being Electrocuted in Accident"
Location: West Valley City, Utah, USA
Summary: Five people were injured on October 26, 2024, after an electrical accident occurred while they were working on a panel outside a building at 4837 West 2400 South in West Valley City. Three individuals suffered flash burns and were transported to local hospitals, while two others did not require hospitalization. The workers involved were part of an electrical contractor company. Rocky Mountain Power responded to address power issues at the site. There was no fire, and the building remains without power while the cause of the accident is under investigation.
Link to original article: KSL NewsRadio Article
"Investigators Say Fire Was Set Intentionally at Downtown Madison Construction Site"
Location: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Summary: On October 29, 2024, a fire was intentionally set at a construction site on S. Paterson Street in downtown Madison. The fire started in one unit and caused significant damage throughout the floor of an apartment building under construction. The Madison Fire Department's Fire Investigation Team responded, but no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have asked the public for any information that could assist in identifying the suspect.
Link to original article: WMTV15 News Article
"Massive Fire Erupts at Coastal Road Construction Site in South Mumbai"
Location: South Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Summary: On October 1, 2024, a fire broke out at a coastal road construction site near Priyadarshini Park on Nepeansea Road in South Mumbai. The fire began during the dismantling of a site office container, likely due to a short circuit, while gas cutters were being used. Cooling operations continued until late evening, and while no injuries were reported, the fire caused intense heat that was felt by nearby residents. Traffic in the area remained unaffected.
Link to original article: Times of India Article
"'Millions' in Damage as Eight Homes Under Construction Torched in Erin"
Location: Erin, Ontario, Canada
Summary: On September 27, 2024, eight homes under construction in the Erin Glen subdivision were damaged or destroyed by fire, resulting in "millions of dollars" in damages. Emergency crews responded to two separate fires at the subdivision, and the Ontario Provincial Police have deemed the fires suspicious. No injuries were reported, as the homes were unoccupied. Firefighters had to use excavators to bring down three homes due to safety concerns, and additional units may need to be demolished due to water damage. The police are investigating any potential links between the fires and a nearby vehicle fire reported around the same time.
Link to original article: Halton Hills News Article
"'Near Completion': Brookside House Being Remodeled Engulfed by Fire"
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Summary: A fire broke out in a house under remodeling at 60th and McGee Streets in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, on October 29, 2024. The fire, which began on the first floor, burned through to the basement, up the walls, and into the second floor and attic. The Kansas City Fire Department determined the fire was an accident caused by improper storage and disposal of wood staining products that led to spontaneous combustion. The house was in the final stages of remodeling, and no injuries were reported.
Link to original article: KCTV5 News Article
"NOFD Responds to Two-Alarm Fire at New Orleans Construction Site"
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Summary: On October 9, 2024, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a two-alarm fire at a home under construction at 714 7th Street. The fire spread through the first and second floors, and a second alarm was called due to the proximity of neighboring houses. NOFD successfully contained the fire to the construction site, preventing significant damage to nearby buildings. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Link to original article: City of New Orleans Press Release
"Police Increase Patrols After Deliberate Fire at Peterborough Construction Site"
Location: Peterborough, England, UK
Summary: On October 13, 2024, a fire broke out at a construction site on Sheerness Way in the Hampton Gardens area of Peterborough. The fire damaged two sets of semi-detached houses (four properties in total). Police believe the fire was set deliberately and have launched an investigation. No injuries were reported, and police have increased patrols in the area to deter further incidents.
Link to original article: Yahoo News Article
"'Suspicious' Fire Ravages Home Under Construction"
Location: Bond Head, Ontario, Canada
Summary: A home under construction in a new subdivision in Bond Head was destroyed by a fire late at night on October 6, 2024. Bradford Fire and Emergency Services, along with South Simcoe Police and New Tecumseth Fire, responded to the scene around midnight. The fire was deemed suspicious, and this was not the first fire in the subdivision. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.
Link to original article: Orillia News Articlehttps://www.kxly.com/news/under-construction-coeur-dalene-home-destroyed-in-fire-being-investigated-as-arson/
"Under Construction Coeur d'Alene Home Destroyed in Fire Investigated as Arson"
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA
Summary: A home under construction on Bastien Loop in Coeur d'Alene was destroyed by a fire on October 24, 2024. The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, in collaboration with the Idaho State Fire Marshal, determined that the fire was an act of arson. Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information on the suspect. No injuries were reported.
Link to original article: KXLY News Article
"Crews Extinguish Fire at Brewery in East Greenwich"
Location: East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA
Summary: On October 23, 2024, firefighters responded to a fire at Linesider Brewing Company in East Greenwich, which was under construction. The fire broke out early in the morning, and mutual aid was called for assistance from West Warwick. The building was unoccupied, and the fire was located inside the walls at the front entrance. The cause is under investigation, and no injuries were reported. The brewery had been owned by retired Patriots player Dan Koppen and was permanently closed in July.
Link to original article: ABC6 News Article
"Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Responds to Fire on Ellesmere Avenue"
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Summary: On October 5, 2024, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a fire in a two-story house under construction on Ellesmere Avenue. Crews found smoke and flames coming from the structure and launched an offensive fire attack, bringing the fire under control within 19 minutes. No occupants were found, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Link to original article: City of Winnipeg Article
Statistics on Construction Site Fires
From 2016 to 2020, there were an average of 4,300 construction site fires annually in the United States, resulting in approximately $376 million in direct property loss each year, as well as 62 civilian injuries and five civilian deaths on average per year (National Fire Protection Association, 2021). These fires often result from human error, unsecured sites, and improperly stored combustible materials. It is important for construction companies to understand these statistics and prioritize fire safety practices throughout the project lifecycle.
Effective Fire Prevention Strategies for Construction Sites
To prevent incidents like those summarized above, construction sites must prioritize fire safety at every stage of the project. Here are some strategies based on NFPA 241, "Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations":
Secure the Site: Construction sites should be safeguarded 24/7 to prevent unauthorized access, which is often a cause of intentionally set fires. Adequate fencing, lighting, and surveillance are effective measures to deter trespassing.
Adherence to NFPA 241: Following the guidelines outlined in NFPA 241 can significantly reduce the risk of fires. This includes ensuring that hot work permits are used appropriately, combustible materials are stored safely, and temporary fire protection systems are installed as needed.
Fire Prevention Program Manager (FPPM): Construction projects should designate an FPPM who is responsible for overseeing fire safety compliance throughout the site. This role ensures that all workers are educated on fire risks and safety procedures.
Proper Storage and Handling of Combustible Materials: Improper storage of materials, like wood-staining products, has led to incidents such as spontaneous combustion. Proper disposal of these materials, along with maintaining a tidy construction site, reduces fire hazards.
The incidents discussed above illustrate the critical need for fire safety on construction sites. Fires can occur due to a lack of proper safeguards, unsecured sites, and human error, but they are largely preventable. By adhering to NFPA 241, securing construction sites, and implementing proper fire safety protocols, construction projects can mitigate the risks and protect not only the site but also the surrounding community. Fire safety is an ongoing commitment, and by sharing these lessons, we can work together to foster a culture of safety and risk reduction across the construction industry.
References
BradfordToday Staff. (2024, October 13). BREAKING: Fires at two more homes under construction in Bond Head. Innisfil News. Retrieved from https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/police-beat/breaking-fires-at-two-more-homes-under-construction-in-bond-head-9653864?utm_source=Villager&utm_campaign=Content&utm_medium=Twitter
WSOC TV News Staff. (2024, October 16). Construction worker hurt in fire at Calvary Church in south Charlotte. WSOC TV. Retrieved fromhttps://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/crews-fight-fire-calvary-church-south-charlotte/4MR527342ZEYZBKJN75JEOGHPM/
Sofield, T. (2024, October 3). Fire at construction site deemed arson. LevittownNow.com. Retrieved from https://levittownnow.com/2024/10/03/fire-at-construction-site-deemed-arson/#google_vignette
Schucht, E. (2024, October 5). Fire destroys Fruitridge Pocket house under construction. KCRA. Retrieved from https://www.kcra.com/article/fruitridge-pocket-house-fire-16th-avenue/62517947
Winthrop, C. (2024, October 16). Fire destroys Portsmouth mansion under construction, damages nearby homes. Newport Buzz. Retrieved fromhttps://www.thenewportbuzz.com/massive-fire-engulfs-9000-sq-ft-mansion-on-sea-spray-lane-in-portsmouth/51916
Camarena, K. (2024, October 26). Five injured in West Valley City after being electrocuted in accident. KSL NewsRadio. Retrieved from https://kslnewsradio.com/2148881/west-valley-city-electrical-accident-injures-five-people/
Tornabene, J. (2024, October 29). Investigators say fire was set intentionally at downtown Madison construction site. WMTV. Retrieved from https://www.wmtv15news.com/2024/10/29/investigators-say-fire-was-set-intentionally-downtown-madison-construction-site/
Times of India. (2024, October 1). Massive fire erupts at coastal road construction site in South Mumbai. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/massive-fire-erupts-at-coastal-road-construction-site-in-south-mumbai/articleshow/113858564.cms
Kozolanka, K. (2024, September 27). 'Millions' in damage as eight homes under construction torched in Erin. Halton Hills News. Retrieved from https://www.haltonhillstoday.ca/local-news/millions-in-damage-as-eight-homes-under-construction-torched-in-erin-9595709#:~:text=Suspicious%20fires%20at%20an%20under,on%20Brown%20Street%20in%20Erin.
Scammahorn, J., & Smith, G. (2024, October 29). 'Near completion': Brookside house being remodeled engulfed by fire. KCTV5. Retrieved from https://www.kctv5.com/2024/10/29/kcfd-responds-2-alarm-brookside-house-fire/
New Orleans Fire Department. (2024, October 10). NOFD responds to two-alarm fire. City of New Orleans. Retrieved from https://nola.gov/next/nofd/press-releases/2024/20241009-nofd-responds-to-two-alarm-fire/
Jolley, B. (2024, October 15). Police increase patrols after deliberate fire at Peterborough construction site. Yahoo News. Retrieved from https://uk.news.yahoo.com/police-launch-investigation-deliberate-fire-091100454.html​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
OrilliaMatters Staff. (2024, October 7). 'Suspicious' fire ravages home under construction. Orillia News. Retrieved from https://www.orilliamatters.com/police-beat/suspicious-fire-ravages-home-under-construction-9-photos-9619855
King, R. (2024, October 24). Under construction Coeur d'Alene home destroyed in fire being investigated as arson. KXLY News. Retrieved from https://kxly920.com/2024/10/24/under-construction-coeur-dalene-home-destroyed-in-fire-being-investigated-as-arson/
Pelletiere, I. (2024, October 23). UPDATE: Crews extinguish fire at brewery in East Greenwich. ABC6. Retrieved from https://www.abc6.com/update-crews-extinguish-fire-at-brewery-in-east-greenwich/
City of Winnipeg. (2024, October 5). Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responds to fire on Ellesmere Avenue. City of Winnipeg. Retrieved from https://www.winnipeg.ca/news/2024-10-05-winnipeg-fire-paramedic-service-responds-fire-ellesmere-avenue
National Fire Protection Association. (2022). Construction site fire safety fact sheet. NFPA. Retrieved from https://nfpa.org
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