Industrial fire statistics at a glance (NFPA, 2017–2021): U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 36,784 fires at industrial and manufacturing properties: 25,021 outside or unclassified fires, 8,077 structure fires and 3,687 vehicle fires, causing 22 civilian deaths, 211 civilian injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property damage each year.
Data sources: NFPA, Fires in U.S. Industrial or Manufacturing Properties (2017–2021).
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between 2017 and 2021, US fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 36,784 industrial fires.
This annual average of 36,784 fires can be broken down into the following categories:
- 25,021 Outside or unclassified fires
- 8,077 Structure fires
- 3,687 Vehicle fires
These fires caused an average of 22 civilian deaths, 211 civilian injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property damage each year.
Source: NFPA
The high severity in industrial fire statistics is likely because 42% of structural fires in industrial properties are non-confined, meaning they are not contained.
Which Industries Have the Most Fires?
Manufacturing and processing facilities have more fires, civilian injuries and direct property damage than any other type of industrial property, according to NFPA.
Source: NFPA
This pattern also appears in U.K. research from the Fire Industry Association (FIA), which indicates that most fires occur in factory-based settings rather than other sectors, such as retail.
Source: FIA
The leading cause of these industrial fires is the failure of equipment or heat sources. This particular cause is prevalent and linked to the most significant amount of property damage.
Source: NFPA
The FIA’s U.K. study also suggests that a significant number of fires originate from electrical industrial machinery.
Source: FIA
When Do Industrial Fires Happen?
Industrial fires peak at about 9% of the annual total in January, March, April and July, occur most often Tuesday through Thursday, and peak between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Source: NFPA
Additionally, from a daily perspective, Tuesday to Thursday hold the most industrial fires at 16%.
Source: NFPA
Interestingly, data indicates a peak in industrial fires between 1:00 PM and 1:59 PM.
Source: NFPA
Talk to a Houston fire-protection pro. Industrial Fire designs and services fire suppression, extinguishers and compliance programs for Houston manufacturing plants and industrial facilities. Call (713) 223-9181 or see fire protection for Houston manufacturing plants.
The Danger of Industrial Fires
Industrial fires are especially dangerous because 42% of industrial structure fires are non-confined, and flammable materials and complex layouts let them spread quickly beyond the room of origin.
The complex layout of industrial buildings, combined with highly flammable materials and chemicals, can lead to a swift escalation that overwhelms containment efforts. The diagram below from NFPA shows this.
Source: NFPA
How Can Industrial Facilities Prevent Fires?
Equipment failure and heat sources are the leading cause of industrial fires, so scheduled equipment maintenance, fixed suppression over process hazards, and licensed inspection of extinguishers and systems are the most effective controls. The data underscores the importance of stringent safety measures, regular equipment maintenance, and comprehensive fire response plans.
As industries continue to evolve, so must our approaches to fire prevention and safety. By staying informed and proactive, we can reduce the incidence of industrial fires and mitigate their impact when they occur. See our commercial fire suppression systems in Houston.
Talk to a Houston fire-protection pro. Industrial Fire designs and services fire suppression, extinguishers and compliance programs for Houston manufacturing plants and industrial facilities. Call (713) 223-9181 or see fire protection for Houston manufacturing plants.
Industrial Fire FAQs
How many industrial fires happen each year?
U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 36,784 fires at industrial and manufacturing properties between 2017 and 2021, according to NFPA. That includes 8,077 structure fires a year.
What is the leading cause of industrial fires?
Failure of equipment or heat sources is the leading cause of industrial fires and is linked to the most property damage, according to NFPA. Electrical industrial machinery is a frequent point of origin.
How much damage do industrial fires cause?
Industrial and manufacturing property fires cause about $1.5 billion in direct property damage a year in the U.S., along with 22 civilian deaths and 211 civilian injuries, according to NFPA data for 2017–2021.
