Construction Site Fire Watch - February 2025

Construction sites represent the future new homes, infrastructure, and community spaces being built from the ground up. But they also pose some of the most significant fire risks in the built environment. With incomplete fire protection systems, large amounts of combustible materials, and often transient workforces, these sites are vulnerable to fires that can escalate rapidly, threatening lives, delaying projects, and impacting nearby communities.

This ongoing series examines real-world construction fire incidents from around the globe.

Recent Fire Incidents at Construction Sites

2-alarm Fire Damages Apartment Building Under Construction

Location: Portland, Oregon, USA

Summary: A two-alarm fire erupted in a three-story apartment building under construction in North Portland. Firefighters responded to reports of smoke visible from the building and discovered flames within the walls that spread to the floor above. The incident was escalated to a second alarm due to potential fire spread risks. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire within approximately 20 minutes. The origin of the fire was identified as the second floor. No injuries were reported, and no fire safety features were noted in the report.

Link to original article: KPTV

Activist Group Claims Responsibility for Berlin Construction Site Fire

Location: Berlin, Germany

Summary: Activists claimed responsibility for deliberately setting fire to a construction site in Berlin as part of protests against Tesla's expansion near Grünheide. The arson attack targeted construction cranes operated by Austrian company Strabag and Deutsche Bahn’s railway infrastructure, aiming to disrupt freight transport supporting Tesla's Gigafactory expansion. The fire caused significant damage, rendering two cranes unusable and temporarily disrupting railway and road traffic. Police are investigating a political motive behind the attack.

Link to original article: Brussels Times

Building Under Construction in Tiffin Catches Fire Monday Morning

Location: Tiffin, Iowa, USA

Summary: An early morning fire caused approximately $80,000 in damage to a 6-plex residential building under construction. Firefighters found flames within the walls between two units upon arrival. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There were no occupants in the building at the time, and no injuries occurred.

Link to original article: KCRG

Emergency Personnel Respond to Dumpster Fire in Seneca

Location: Seneca, South Carolina, USA

Summary: A large construction dumpster caught fire during remodeling work at the Days Inn in Seneca. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the fire, which resulted in no major property damage or injuries.

Link to original article: Upstate Today

Fire at Yongsan National Hangul Museum Under Control, No Casualties Reported

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Summary: A significant fire at the Yongsan National Hangul Museum, which was undergoing expansion, caused extensive damage to the third and fourth floors. The fire was sparked by welding operations during construction work. It took around four hours for emergency personnel to control the fire. The museum's sprinkler system was reported as non-operational. While the fire did not result in casualties or damage to cultural artifacts—which had been relocated—one firefighter was injured by falling rebar. Fire safety challenges included highly flammable construction materials.

Link to original article: ChosunBiz

Fire Breaks Out in Building Under Construction in Spring Valley

Location: Spring Valley, New York, USA

Summary: A fire broke out early in the morning in a multi-unit building under construction on Lake Street in Spring Valley. Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke coming from the building's entrance. It took approximately an hour for several dozen firefighters to extinguish the flames, which were confined to the first floor. Investigators noted that the building had no gas or electricity connected, making the cause of the fire unclear and still under investigation. No injuries were reported.

Link to original article: News 12 Westchester

Fire Contained at Pittsburgh International Airport's Construction

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Summary: A fire at Pittsburgh International Airport’s construction site engulfed a trailer near a parking area, away from public areas and terminals. The fire occurred around noon and was quickly contained by airport crews, with no reported injuries or operational disruptions. The cause of the fire remains unclear, and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating. The incident raised concerns about fire safety at the ongoing airport construction projects.

Link to original article: Hoodline

Fire Engulfs Workers’ Quarters at Construction Site in Gurgaon; No Casualties

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Summary: A significant fire gutted 55 rooms in workers' quarters at a condominium under construction by Tulip Construction Company in Gurgaon's Sector 53. The fire occurred in a two-story temporary structure and began on the first floor, but no workers were present, resulting in no casualties. The fire was contained within approximately 90 minutes by multiple fire units. Authorities are still determining the cause of the fire, and the property loss assessment awaits further investigation.

Link to original article: Times of India

Firefighters Battle Fire at Provo Construction Site Where New Apartments Were Being Built

Location: Provo, Utah, USA

Summary: Firefighters responded to a large fire that engulfed several four-story apartment buildings under construction in Provo early in the morning. The fire prompted assistance from neighboring fire departments. Though no injuries were reported, the intense heat caused multiple power transmission poles to catch fire, resulting in power outages affecting nearly 5,000 residents. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and extensive repairs were required along State Street due to fire damage. No fire safety features were identified in the article.

Link to original article: Daily Herald

Firefighters Tackle Lancaster Blaze at Flats Under Construction

Location: Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Summary: A major fire erupted at a construction site of flats on Parliament Street in Lancaster, generating substantial black smoke visible across the city. Six fire engines responded, and local roads were temporarily closed as emergency services tackled the blaze. Authorities advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Link to original article: BBC News

Massive Fire Erupts at Sabarmati Bullet Train Station Construction Site

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Summary: A significant fire broke out at the Sabarmati Bullet Train Station, which is under construction as part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. Emergency responders managed to control the fire, which caused thick smoke to spread in the area. There are currently no reports on the extent of damage or casualties. The fire raised concerns about fire safety standards at major infrastructure projects. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause and potential safety breaches.

Link to original article: The Impressive Times

NFA Contains Fire at Construction Site Opposite Narseys Plastics

Location: Laucala Beach, Fiji

Summary: The National Fire Authority swiftly contained a fire at a construction site opposite Narseys Plastics Industries. The fire broke out during the morning with around 30 people present, but no injuries were reported. Staff from the adjacent Narseys Plastics facility assisted by using fire extinguishers to control the flames before firefighters arrived. The plastics facility itself was unaffected by the fire, and operations continued normally. The cause of the fire was not provided.

Link to original article: Fiji Village

Richmond Hill Fire Destroys House Under Construction and Displaces Two Neighbouring Families

Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Summary: A fire completely destroyed a house under construction in Richmond Hill and damaged neighboring homes due to heat and water used to control the blaze. No injuries were reported, but the affected neighbors were displaced. Authorities deemed the fire suspicious, prompting an investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal. The incident highlighted concerns about fire safety during construction.

Link to original article: YorkRegion.com

Police Probe 'Wilful' Fire at Building Site in Elderslie

Location: Elderslie, Scotland, United Kingdom

Summary: A deliberately set fire significantly damaged a house under construction in Elderslie. Emergency services responded after receiving reports of the fire, and local residents reported a group of youths in the area shortly before the incident. Police are treating the fire as intentional and have requested information from the public, including dashcam or personal video footage. No injuries were mentioned.

Link to original article: The Herald

Fire at Construction Site Causes Power Outage in Gare Neighborhood

Location: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Summary: A fire broke out at a construction site in Luxembourg City's Gare neighborhood after workers accidentally damaged an electrical conduit. The fire caused a significant power outage affecting the Gare and Gasperich areas, impacting residents, businesses, and services provided by the POST Group. Repair works continued into the following day, with authorities unable to provide a precise timeline for full restoration. No injuries were reported from the incident.

Link to original article: RTL Today

Seattle Residents Evacuated, Injured from Fire at Ballard Construction Site

Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

Summary: Over 100 firefighters responded to a large, three-alarm fire at a construction site in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, which destroyed the three-story building under construction. The intense fire spread to adjacent townhomes, prompting evacuations. One resident was rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped. One woman sustained injuries, and the construction site collapsed, leaving only exterior walls standing. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Link to original article: Fox 13

Seneca Falls Home Damaged by Early Morning Fire

Location: Seneca Falls, New York, USA

Summary: A fire destroyed an unoccupied home under construction on Mechanic Street in Seneca Falls. The blaze broke out in the early hours and took firefighters from multiple jurisdictions around 90 minutes to control. Efforts were complicated by a malfunctioning fire hydrant near the property. No injuries were reported, but the home was declared a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Seneca County Fire Investigation Team.

Link to original article: Finger Lakes Daily News

Six Dead at Resort Construction Site Fire in South Korea's Busan

Location: Busan, South Korea

Summary: A deadly fire at a hotel resort under construction in Busan resulted in six fatalities and injuries to approximately 25 people, mostly from smoke inhalation. Firefighters evacuated around 100 workers, with 14 rescued by helicopter from the rooftop. The fire reportedly began in insulation material near an indoor swimming pool area. The government has ordered a thorough investigation and deployment of all available resources to control the situation.

Link to original article: NBC News

Two Labourers Charred to Death as Under-construction Building Catches Fire in Bengaluru

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Summary: Two laborers died in a fire at a four-story residential building under construction in Bengaluru, triggered by an apparent LPG cylinder explosion. Seven laborers were present; five escaped, including one who jumped onto a coconut tree and another who sought refuge on a rooftop water tank. The fire engulfed the entire building, requiring four hours and three fire tenders to extinguish. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the cause.

Link to original article: The Times of India

Video Shows Suspect Running from Fire at Everett Homes Under Construction

Location: Everett, Washington, USA

Summary: Surveillance video captured a suspect fleeing from a fire that significantly damaged homes under construction on Lombard Avenue in Everett. The fire, reported early in the morning, spread to another house and a nearby gazebo, destroying the primary structure. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 20 minutes. Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the suspect or officially labeled the person as such, but video footage shows suspicious activity immediately preceding the fire.

Link to original article: KIRO 7 News Seattle

Why Construction Fires Happen—and How to Prevent Them

Construction sites are vulnerable to fire due to a combination of combustible materials, lack of permanent fire protection systems, and the temporary nature of safety infrastructure. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2017 and 2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 4,440 fires in structures under construction per year (Campbell, 2023).

Common Causes Include:

• Hot work (welding, cutting, grinding)

• Electrical faults

• Arson or vandalism

• Improper storage of flammable materials

• Cooking or heating equipment

• Incomplete or inactive fire suppression systems

Key Fire Safety Strategies for Construction Sites

To reduce these risks, fire prevention should be embedded into every phase of construction. Here are several best practices:

1. Pre-incident Planning: Collaborate with local fire departments to develop response plans specific to the site layout and hazards.

2. Hot Work Permits and Supervision: Implement permit systems and fire watches during and after any hot work activities.

3. Fire Watch & Security Patrols: Ensure after-hours fire watch programs are active and documented.

4. Clear Access Routes & Water Supply: Maintain open access for emergency vehicles and operational hydrants or water supplies.

5. Temporary Fire Protection Systems: Utilize temporary standpipes, fire extinguishers, and alarms throughout the site.

6. Site Housekeeping: Remove combustible waste daily and maintain clear egress routes.

7. Training & Communication: Provide fire safety orientation for all site workers and reinforce emergency procedures.

   
   

Building a Safer Future—One Project at a Time

Each of the incidents shared in this post represents an opportunity for learning. Fires during construction can undo months of work in minutes—but they are not inevitable. Through thoughtful design, vigilant oversight, and proactive fire prevention strategies, we can significantly reduce these risks.

References

Brussels Times. (2025, February 18). Activist group claims responsibility for Berlin construction site fire. Brussels Times. https://www.brusselstimes.com/world-news/1463007/activist-group-claims-responsibility-for-berlin-construction-site-fire

ChosunBiz. (2025, February 1). Fire at Yongsan National Hangul Museum under control, no casualties reported. ChosunBiz. https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-society/2025/02/01/ZDTYJEIPDREY7LGV4A4TCI4ZEE

Cotterill, G. (2025, February 16). Seneca Falls home damaged by early morning fire. Finger Lakes Daily News. https://www.fingerlakesdailynews.com/local/ontario-seneca-wayne/seneca-falls-home-damaged-by-early-morning-fire

Daily Herald. (2025, February 8). Firefighters battle fire at Provo construction site where new apartments were being built. Daily Herald. https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/2025/feb/08/firefighters-battle-fire-at-provo-construction-site-where-new-apartments-were-set-to-be-built/

Fiji Village. (2025, March 2). NFA contains fire at a construction site opposite Narseys Plastics. Fiji Village. https://www.fijivillage.com/news/NFA-contains-fire-at-Laucala-Beach-5fr48x/

Hoodline. (2025, February 16). Fire contained at Pittsburgh International Airport's construction site. Hoodline. https://hoodline.com/2025/02/fire-contained-at-pittsburgh-international-airport-s-construction-site-no-injuries-reported/

Impressive Times. (2025, February 8). Massive fire erupts at Sabarmati bullet train station construction site in Ahmedabad. The Impressive Times. https://impressivetimes.com/latest/news-3543/

KIRO 7 News Seattle. (2025, February 20). Video shows suspect running from fire at Everett homes under construction. KIRO 7 News Seattle. https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/video-shows-suspect-running-fire-everett-homes-under-construction/M6AIZMGKLZHVZAT6WINHNR3T4Q/

KPTV. (2025, February 22). 2-alarm fire damages apartment building under construction in North Portland. KPTV. https://www.kptv.com/2025/02/22/two-alarm-apartment-fire-north-portland/

KCRG. (2025, January 27). Building under construction in Tiffin catches fire Monday morning. KCRG. https://www.kcrg.com/2025/01/27/building-under-construction-tiffin-catches-fire-monday-morning/

NBC News. (2025, February 14). Six dead at resort construction site fire in South Korea’s Busan. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/six-dead-resort-construction-site-fire-south-koreas-busan-rcna192185

News 12 Westchester. (2025, February 21). Fire breaks out in building under construction in Spring Valley. News 12 Westchester. https://westchester.news12.com/fire-breaks-out-in-building-under-construction-in-spring-valley

Pfeffinger, R. (2025, February 9). Seattle residents evacuated, injured from fire at Ballard construction site. AOL News. https://www.aol.com/seattle-residents-evacuated-injured-fire-202227491.html

RTL Today. (2025, February 6). Fire at construction site: Repair works ongoing after power outage in Gare neighbourhood. RTL Today. https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2274500.html

Stevens, M. (2025, February 8). Firefighters tackle Lancaster blaze at flats under construction. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8xk0dy18do

The Herald. (2025, February 16). Police probe 'wilful' fire at building site in Elderslie. The Herald. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24939111.wilful-fire-causes-significant-damage-house-construction/

The Times of India. (2025, February 6). Two labourers charred to death as under-construction building catches fire in Bengaluru. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/two-labourers-charred-to-death-as-under-construction-building-catches-fire-in-bengaluru/articleshow/117992326.cms

The Times of India. (2025, February 19). Fire engulfs workers’ quarters at construction site in Gurgaon; no casualties. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/fire-engulfs-workers-quarters-at-construction-site-in-gurgaon-no-casualties/articleshow/118394610.cms

YorkRegion.com. (2025, February 28). Richmond Hill fire destroys house under construction and displaces two neighbouring families. YorkRegion.com. https://www.yorkregion.com/news/richmond-hill-fire-destroys-house-under-construction-and-displaces-two-neighbouring-families/article_7ae75e4d-49ea-5d89-bbf7-8cac65e34f8e.html

Upstate Today. (2025, February). Emergency personnel respond to dumpster fire in Seneca. Upstate Today. https://upstatetoday.com/news/emergency-personnel-respond-to-dumpster-fire-in-seneca/article_53c57a88-e51c-11ef-8189-27f2e58da491.html

Campbell, R. (2023) National Fire Protection Association. Fires in structures under construction. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/fires-in-structures-under-construction

Pfeffinger, R., & Detling, D. (2025, February 9). Seattle residents evacuated, injured from fire at Ballard construction site. FOX 13 Seattle. https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/ballard-construction-fire-homes-injured