Workplace fire statistics at a glance: U.S. fire departments respond to about 110,000 nonresidential building fires a year, roughly 300 a day, causing 130 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $3.16 billion in losses (USFA, 2023 estimate). Industrial and manufacturing properties alone average 36,784 fires a year (NFPA, 2017–2021), and cooking is the leading cause of fires in nonresidential buildings (USFA).
In 2020, the U.S. saw 16,500 office and store fires that caused $932 million in direct property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. This figure highlights that fire remains a prominent issue within the workplace, signaling a clear need for enhanced protective measures.
To develop better risk prevention methods, having accurate and up-to-date data is crucial. For this reason, we have compiled key workplace fire statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration and NFPA to help guide safety planning.
How Many Fires Occur in U.S. Workplaces Every Day?
About 300 fires a day break out in U.S. nonresidential buildings, the offices, stores, factories, warehouses and other workplaces covered by the U.S. Fire Administration’s estimate of 110,000 nonresidential building fires in 2023.
Workplace Fire Key Statistics
Cooking is the leading cause of fires in U.S. offices and stores, and about 11.2% of those fires are intentionally set, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Source: USFA
Talk to a Houston fire-protection pro. Industrial Fire keeps Houston offices, stores and industrial facilities inspection-ready with extinguisher service, suppression systems and fire code compliance support. Call (713) 223-9181 or see fire protection for Houston office buildings.
Which Workplaces Have the Most Fires?
Industrial and manufacturing properties average 36,784 fires a year, causing 22 civilian deaths, 211 injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property damage, according to NFPA data for 2017–2021. Offices and stores add about 16,500 fires a year, and cooking is the leading cause of fires in nonresidential buildings overall, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
See our full industrial fire statistics.
How Can Businesses Reduce Workplace Fire Risk?
Businesses reduce workplace fire risk most by keeping fire extinguishers and suppression systems on their required inspection schedules, maintaining cooking and electrical equipment, and meeting OSHA’s emergency action and fire prevention plan rules (29 CFR 1910.38 and 1910.39).
In summary, the occurrence of workplace fires remains a significant threat to businesses and employees alike.
The data highlighted here clearly illustrates the urgent necessity to enhance fire safety protocols and heighten awareness in different sectors and locales. It is absolutely essential for companies to prioritize the implementation of comprehensive fire prevention tactics, thorough staff education, and prepared emergency action procedures to reduce the potential dangers.
Start with annual fire extinguisher inspections in Houston.
Talk to a Houston fire-protection pro. Industrial Fire keeps Houston offices, stores and industrial facilities inspection-ready with extinguisher service, suppression systems and fire code compliance support. Call (713) 223-9181 or see fire protection for Houston office buildings.
Workplace Fire FAQs
How many fires occur in U.S. workplaces every day?
About 300 a day. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates 110,000 fires occurred in nonresidential buildings in 2023, the category that covers offices, stores, factories, warehouses and other workplaces.
How many workplace fires occur each year?
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates 110,000 nonresidential building fires in 2023, causing 130 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $3.16 billion in losses. Industrial and manufacturing properties alone average 36,784 fires a year, according to NFPA.
What is the most common cause of workplace fires?
Cooking is the leading cause of fires in offices and stores, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Break-room appliances, microwaves and commercial kitchens inside workplaces account for a large share of those incidents.
What does a workplace fire cost?
Nonresidential building fires caused $3.16 billion in direct losses in the U.S. in 2023, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. That figure excludes downtime, lost inventory and business interruption, which often exceed the property damage.
What does OSHA require for workplace fire safety?
OSHA requires covered employers to maintain an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan (29 CFR 1910.38 and 1910.39), and to keep portable fire extinguishers fully charged, operable and on an annual maintenance check (29 CFR 1910.157).
