Common Causes of Commercial Structure Fires

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

We offer 24/7 emergency services to be able to provide a quick and thorough service, even after a fire!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 were (in order):

• Cooking equipment, 29% of fires
• Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 12% of fires
• Heating equipment, 11% of fires
• Intentional, 10% of fires
• Smoking materials, 9% of fires
• Exposure, 4% of fires
• Electronic, office, or entertainment equipment, 3% of fires

Out of those, three causes, namely intentional, exposure, and electrical distribution and lighting equipment accounted for the most property damage with 20%, 18%, and 15% respectively.

Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that fires and explosions accounted for 3% of all workplace fatalities in 2007.

When studying more recent numbers, the NFPA estimates that between 2007–2011, U.S. fire departments answered an average of 3,340 fire calls in office properties per year. Those fires resulted in an annual average of four deaths, 44 injuries, and $112 million in direct property damage.

SERVPRO of East Mission / South Edinburg has the water and fire damage training and expertise to help you through this tough time. For more information on our available services give us a call at 956-585-3433 24/7.